Alberta is about to host one of the most closely watched political meetings in Western Canada this year, as regional premiers converge on Kananaskis for a two-day summit beginning Monday. The gathering promises to be tense, with both Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and British Columbia Premier David Eby openly acknowledging the friction between their governments.
The centrepiece of the discord: a proposed pipeline to the B.C. coast that has become a flashpoint in federal-provincial relations. Alberta has signed a memorandum of understanding backing the project, while B.C. remains firmly opposed. Meanwhile, Alberta's plans to hold a referendum on separation have added another layer of complexity to provincial relations.
The two-day meeting will conclude Tuesday with a joint news conference, giving Canadians a window into how Western leaders plan to navigate their differences.
"A Little Awkward," Smith Admits
Smith hasn't shied away from the elephant in the room. During remarks at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, she acknowledged the upcoming meeting would be "a little awkward" given recent developments between her government and B.C.'s leadership.
But the Alberta premier injected some levity into the discussion, joking that Eby would likely show up at the summit. "I bought him a pair of boots so I think he's going to show up at least for the boots," Smith quipped.
Eby: Ready to Work Through Disagreements
Eby responded with measured optimism, saying he is "looking forward" to the meeting and, notably, to trying on his new cowboy boots. The B.C. premier emphasized his willingness to work collaboratively despite fundamental disagreements.
"I always have good give-and-take exchange with my colleagues from across Western Canada, which includes Premier Smith," Eby said in a statement.
However, Eby was clear that he fundamentally disagrees with Smith's approach regarding separatism sentiments in Alberta. He said the situation creates "awkwardness in the room," but noted this is something the two leaders would need to agree to disagree on.
The Bigger Picture
Earlier this month, Eby released a pointed statement directed at Alberta's separatism rhetoric. "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," he said.
The pipeline tensions reflect broader concerns across Western Canada about resource development, environmental stewardship, and interprovincial cooperation. Alberta sees the pipeline as crucial to its energy sector and economic growth, while B.C. has raised environmental and indigenous rights concerns.
The summit will also include premiers and leaders from other western provinces and northern territories, making it a comprehensive gathering of Western Canada's political establishment. The backdrop of Kananaskis—one of Alberta's crown jewels—underscores the significance both provinces are placing on the meeting.
Despite the tensions, both leaders have emphasized their commitment to working together on shared challenges. Eby reiterated that commitment Friday, noting he remains "committed to work with people even I disagree with, and I know she is too because we've worked together on many things."
As Western Canada watches, the Kananaskis summit will be a crucial test of whether regional leaders can find common ground on divisive issues, or whether the pipeline standoff and separatism debate will continue to fracture Western unity.
This article is based on reporting from CBC Edmonton.