KANANASKIS, Alta. — Western premiers wrapped up two days of meetings in Kananaskis with broad agreement on trade corridors, pipelines, Arctic security and economic development, but the conference ended with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith facing sharp criticism from several counterparts over her planned referendum on Alberta’s future in Canada.
Premiers from the four western provinces and three territories released a joint communique emphasizing unity, economic growth and national stability, while calling for faster federal action on infrastructure projects ranging from pipelines and ports to rail lines and electricity transmission.
“To achieve the prosperity and change we want to see in this great country we need unity, certainty, and stability,” the communique stated, adding the provinces and territories are “all stronger as members of a united Canada.”
The leaders also jointly backed expanded economic corridors across western and northern Canada, including a proposed “port-to-port-to-port” strategy connecting Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Churchill and Grays Bay.
A report released during the summit estimated between $60 billion and $69 billion in annual public and private investment could be needed through 2075 to support transportation and trade infrastructure tied to future growth in the West and North.
The premiers also discussed Arctic sovereignty, defence procurement, wildfire preparedness, public safety reforms and removing interprovincial trade barriers.
But despite the unified messaging in the final communique, Alberta’s planned referendum on separation dominated much of the political discussion surrounding the summit.
British Columbia Premier David Eby openly questioned why Alberta was proceeding with a referendum at a time when provinces were attempting to strengthen national unity amid economic uncertainty and tensions with the United States.
Eby warned referendums intended as political pressure tactics can quickly spiral beyond their original intent, referencing Britain’s Brexit vote as an example.
He said western leaders were able to agree on language affirming a united Canada because premiers recognized the country would be economically and politically weaker if divided.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew also strongly challenged Smith during the closing news conference, particularly over Indigenous treaty rights and Alberta’s duty to consult First Nations regarding separatism initiatives.
Kinew argued the constitutional obligation to consult Indigenous communities rests with governments, not citizen petition organizers, after an Alberta judge earlier this month quashed a proposed separatist referendum question over consultation concerns.
The court challenge was brought forward by several Alberta First Nations who argued separation from Canada would directly affect treaty rights protected under the Constitution.
Kinew said he had recently met with Alberta chiefs who expressed serious concerns about separatism and urged leaders to focus instead on building national projects together.
He suggested political leaders pause referendum discussions and spend the next year working collaboratively on pipelines and economic development.
“Now is the time to work together,” Kinew said during the summit.
Smith defended her decision to move ahead with a referendum question, arguing Alberta’s citizen initiative legislation requires government action once sufficient signatures are collected.
She also maintained courts still need to clarify the extent of consultation obligations surrounding citizen-led referendum petitions.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe took a more conciliatory tone, emphasizing the importance of continued dialogue between provinces and Ottawa even amid disagreements.
Moe said premiers would not always get their way but argued recent cooperation with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government showed western provinces could still advance key priorities within a united Canada.
While Alberta separatism cast a shadow over the conference, the summit ultimately concluded with premiers publicly recommitting to economic co-operation and national unity while acknowledging frustrations felt across western Canada.
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