Energy emerges as major topic at Western premiers’ conference

The second day of a meeting of Canada’s Western premiers focused on pipelines, energy and the economy.

Energy, notably pipelines and electricity, was a major topic of conversation during the Western Premiers annual conference that wrapped up Thursday after two days in Yellowknife.

British Columbia signed a memorandum of understanding with the Yukon to pursue the idea of sharing electricity with the territory. B.C. Premier David Eby said B.C. does have enough potential capacity to share with the Yukon in the future.

As for pipelines, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith reiterated earlier calls for a new pipeline through B.C. to the coast and a lifting of the moratorium on tankers – both things Eby opposes.

“If Premier Smith is able to convince the Federal government to build another pipeline through British Columbia, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.” said Eby.

Agreement was unanimous on another issue – namely establishing an economic corridor between B.C.’s north west coast and Hudson’s Bay.

“We know there needs to be this corridor, we have 50 billion dollars plus in projects with proponents in British Columbia that would benefit from this corridor,” Eby said.

A joint statement issued Thursday says establishing the corridor would would boost Canada’s market access in Asia and Europe while the country fights a trade war with the United States and China.

“Nation-building infrastructure in Western Canada, such as highways, railways, ports, airports, pipelines, nuclear projects and electricity transmission systems, are crucial for driving Canadian productivity growth, energy security and economic competitiveness,” says the statement from the Western premiers.

“This includes developing and transporting oil and gas, liquefied natural gas, uranium, electricity and hydroelectricity to Canadian and world markets, as well as in emerging opportunities such as hydrogen, biofuels and small modular nuclear reactors.”

As for the rumblings of western separation coming from Alberta and Saskatchewan, Eby said he made it clear he thinks now is the worst possible time to raise the issue –emphasizing the need for unity.

A meeting with premiers from across the country and Prime Minister Mark Carney is set for the beginning of June in Saskatoon.

With files from The Canadian Press