Alberta,report.

Filed under: Canada by Kevin Griffiths — Leave a comment

May 26, 2026

Fossil collection

In case you have the

Opportunity and time for fossils?

Needs permits to go export🫣 and:

Collecting

Buying https://stores.fossil.com/ab/edmonton/https://stores.fossil.com/ab/edmonton/

The conference that was…

The annual Western Premiers’ Conference is taking place right now in Kananaskis, Alberta (just west of Calgary).

Ends Tuesday

Here are the specific details regarding the timing, attendees, and the official (and unofficial) agenda items dominating the tables.

As of prepublish post

### Timing & Logistics

* **Start Date:** Monday, May 25, 2026 * **End Date:** Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

(Wrapping up today with press conferences and joint statements)

### Who is Attending?

Leader	Juristiction
Danielle Smith David Eby Scott Moe Wab Kinew R.J. Simpson Currie Dixon John, Main	NWT Yukon Nunavat (Virtual)

The conference brings together the leaders of Canada’s four western provinces and three northern territories.

|### What is on the Agenda?

While the official agenda focuses heavily on regional growth and security, a massive political development in the host province has completely reshaped the conversation.

**Danielle Smith** (Host)

####

1. The Official Focus:

Economy & Security

According to the host premier’s office, the formal discussions are centered on: * **Trade and Inter-provincial Business:** Deepening partnerships and cutting red tape between western neighbors.

* Energy Security & Nation-Building Projects:

Exploring infrastructure corridors, including a contentious proposed bitumen pipeline from Alberta to the B.C. coast, which recently received federal backing from Prime Minister Mark Carney.

* Defence and Arctic Security:

Specifically championed by Nunavut, leaders are discussing northern sovereignty as Ottawa increases its long-term defence spending targets.

#### 2. The “Elephant in the Room”:

Alberta Separatism

The conference kicked off just days after Premier Danielle Smith announced an

**October 19 referendum**

Asking Albertans if they want to remain in Canada or trigger binding separation negotiations.This has caused significant friction and drama on the floor:

* **Manitoba’s Take:

** Premier Wab Kinew

Stated his primary goal is to “give a big old hug” to Alberta and emphasize unity, expressing strong opposition to the separation idea.

* **B.C.’s Take:** Premier David Eby

Has pointed out the sheer irony of hosting a Canadian nation-building summit while “setting the table to leave the country.” Tension is also high over the federal-Alberta pipeline alignment, which Eby feels bypasses B.C.’s environmental and financial interests.

* A Peace Offering:

In classic Western tradition despite the heavy political sparring, Premier Smith reportedly gifted Premier Eby a pair of traditional Alberta cowboy boots as the meetings got underway.

Accomplished