Western Premiers raise energy security and affordability in discussion of western economic issues

The Premiers of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and BC, as well as the Premiers of the NWT and Yukon met on 27 May to discuss the economic prospects for Western Canada. High energy costs and energy security were key issues in the talks. Premier Kenney of Alberta pointed out that Canada’s petroleum resources are world-scale, yet prices have increased dramatically. He and Premier Moe of Saskatchewan argued that increasing domestic supplies would help reduce energy costs. Premier Moe also cautioned that energy security should be given more attention if Canada wants to avoid the situation in which European countries currently find themselves.