Western Premiers Unite: New Economic Corridors in the Works, Seek Federal Backing
YELLOWKNIFE — The premiers from Western Canada have stated that they concur on recognizing, strategizing, and establishing fresh economic pathways aimed at linking provincial resources with global markets.
A joint statement issued Thursday says doing so would boost Canada’s market access in Asia and Europe while the country fights a trade war with the United States and China.
“The development of nation-building infrastructure in Western Canada—including highways, railways, seaports, airports, pipelines, nuclear initiatives, and power transmission networks—is essential for enhancing Canadian productivity, ensuring energy security, and boosting economic competitiveness,” according to a joint statement issued by the leaders of British Columbia, the Prairies regions, and the northern territories.
This encompasses the development and transportation of oil, gas, liquefied natural gas, uranium, electricity, and hydropower to both Canadian and global markets. It also involves exploring new avenues like hydrogen, biofuels, and small modular nuclear reactors.
The premiers convened their meeting for two days in Yellowknife and held a concluding press conference prior to making the accord publicly available.
They suggested it’s time for Western Canada to take over as the nation’s economic powerhouse, with the sole obstacle being the insufficient infrastructure needed to move resources to emerging markets.
However, the premiers stated that they cannot operate independently and appealed to Prime Minister Mark Carney for assistance, particularly in linking the ports on the West Coast with the shore of Hudson Bay.
This initiative will enhance economic stability and wealth for all Canadians,” the joint statement asserts regarding the port link, while also urging for the establishment of new federal financing schemes aimed at boosting other economic pathways in isolated and northern regions.
The yearly gathering of Western premiers takes place two weeks prior to when all Canadian premiers will convene with Carney in Saskatoon.
The Saskatchewan Premier, Scott Moe, stated that the Western provinces’ discussions seemed like “a conversation potentially advantageous for generations,” which he wishes to persist when the premiers convene with Carney.
The joint statement indicates that the premiers discussed topics including housing, Arctic security, emergency readiness, and public safety. They urged the federal government to take action on each of these issues.
Although the premiers presented a unified stance in their declaration, several admitted to reporters that consensus wasn’t reached on every issue.
British Columbia Premier David Eby stated that Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s recent suggestions to resurrect the Northern Gateway pipeline project—which was intended to link Alberta crude oil to B.C.’s north coast—and her proposal to rescind the B.C. north coast tanker ban are premature.
“In British Columbia, we have a publicly-owned pipeline that was pushed through despite opposition from British Columbians—the Trans Mountain pipeline. It isn’t running at full capacity,” Eby stated.
If the priority is delivering products to coastal areas, then I’d begin those discussions with the federal government regarding maximizing the utilization of this publicly-owned infrastructure. This appears to be an excellent starting point instead of exposing the untouched northern coastline to oil tankers.
Eby, during a subsequent press briefing, stated that British Columbia and the Yukon entered into an independent accord aimed at collaborating to promote electrification within the region.
“At present, the Yukon faces significant difficulties in obtaining electricity. Their reliance on diesel is quite heavy,” Eby stated.
Power generated in B.C. will lead to job creation within British Columbia and opportunities in the Yukon. I am eager to collaborate with Premier Ranj Pillai on this initiative.
Eby was not alone in her disagreement with Smith at the conference. According to local media reports, two demonstrations took place on Wednesday against Smith.
The Dene Nation allegedly came together to uphold their treaty rights amid discussions about Alberta’s potential secession, whereas some individuals demonstrated against Smith’s set of trans-rights laws earlier this year.
Smith’s administration has prohibited physicians from issuing prescriptions for puberty inhibitors and hormonal treatments to individuals under 16 years old. Additionally, it has barred transgender athletes from participating in women’s competitions in amateur sports.
“As straightforward as it gets, being visibly transgender in Alberta has turned extremely dangerous,” stated the Northern Mosaic Network, organizers of the demonstration, in an open letter addressed to Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson on Tuesday. They also mentioned that the laws implemented in Alberta have impacted individuals from their region seeking healthcare services there.
When asked about the protests, Smith stated that her legislation does not impact N.W.T. residents and it is Carney’s responsibility to address the separatist sentiment and the wider separatist movement.
If Prime Minister Mark Carney implements the suggestions in our communiqué today, I believe it would significantly undermine any attempts to do otherwise.
— By Jack Farrell in Edmonton, with additional reporting by Lisa Johnson
The report from The Canadian Press was initially released on May 22, 2025.
The Canadian Press