Western Canada's top political leaders are heading to the Kananaskis region for a high-stakes two-day conference beginning Monday, with energy tensions and constitutional disagreements threatening to overshadow the gathering.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and British Columbia Premier David Eby have both openly acknowledged the meeting could prove awkward, setting expectations low even as both officials vow to maintain professional relationships.
The centrepiece of their dispute centres on a proposed pipeline project to the B.C. coast, which has sparked sharp divisions between the two provinces. Alberta's plan to hold a referendum on separation has only intensified the friction.
Pipeline Politics Heat Up Ahead of Summit
The tensions between Smith and Eby have escalated dramatically in recent months following the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the pipeline proposal. Eby has been particularly vocal in his criticism, suggesting that rewarding Alberta's approach sets a dangerous precedent.
"As a country, it's time to stop rewarding bad behaviour. It cannot be the case that the projects that get prioritized in Canada are those where a premier threatens to leave the country," Eby stated in a recent news release.
Smith, speaking at a Calgary Chamber of Commerce event Thursday, acknowledged the potential for awkwardness while maintaining a lighter tone about the impending meeting.
"I bought him a pair of boots so I think he's going to show up at least for the boots," Smith quipped when asked whether Eby would actually attend.
Eby responded in kind, saying he is "looking forward" to the gathering and to trying on his new cowboy boots, adding that he maintains positive working relationships across Western Canada despite their policy disagreements.
Separation Sentiments Add Another Layer
Beyond the pipeline dispute, Eby has expressed fundamental disagreement with Smith's approach to separatism sentiments emerging in Alberta. He characterized the situation as contributing to "awkwardness in the room," though he suggested the two leaders would need to agree to disagree on the matter.
"I'm committed to work with people even I disagree with, and I know she is too because we've worked together on many things," Eby said.
The two-day summit concludes Tuesday with a joint news conference, which will likely provide the first official readout of discussions between the western provinces and northern territories represented at the gathering.
Community discussions about the meeting have been active on local platforms, with Albertans weighing in on the implications for the province's economic future and interprovincial relationships. Those interested in following the regional conversation can explore Calgary Forums, where residents often discuss major political developments affecting the province.
This article is based on reporting from CBC Calgary.