http://www.grassrootsalberta.ca/

Grassroots Alberta Citizens Initiative/Centre for the Alberta Taxpayer, Box 576, Drumheller, AB (2026)

06/05/2026

‘People need to understand what it would be to set up a fully functional national government from scratch,’ says the premier, whose government is preparing a report on the cost of leaving Canada.

By Rick Bell | National Post

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith drops a political bomb, a financial bomb, a bomb dropped on the separatist assumptions of way more gain than pain by Alberta leaving Canada and striking out on its own.

Almost $400 billion in start-up costs to set up an independent Alberta. Roughly $80,000 for every Albertan.

Somewhere between $25 billion and $50 billion in yearly costs. Roughly up to $10,000 for every Albertan.

Year after year after year.

Look at a dictionary and this is the definition of eye-popping. This is not the definition of the land of milk and money.

The Smith government is preparing a report looking at the price tag on leaving Canada.

Smith is all in for the Remain in Canada side of the referendum fight leading to a vote on Oct. 19.

The Alberta premier hopes the facts and figures will be out by August.

She’s already spoken with the government’s new budget boss who is not known as a guy who lets sleeping dogs lie.

Smith adds Trevor Tombe, the oft-quoted economist, has already done some back-of-the-envelope calculations.

While we wait for all the arithmetic Smith rolls out the independence math she has at hand.

She reads it off like a laundry list, a hugely expensive laundry.

There’s Alberta’s share of the national debt.

Alberta’s military spending needed to be part of the NATO alliance.

Border stations at the borders with B.C. and Saskatchewan.

Renegotiating a long list of trade agreements and setting up trade offices.

Establishing a post office.

Regulating telecommunications, banking, railways.

“As you see it’s a pretty extensive list,” says Smith.

And what does the cash register show?

Payment due. Hundreds of billions of dollars.

That’s billions with a B.

When Smith says she is doubling down on Canada she means it.

Rolling out the monster tab shows how determined the premier is to having the stay in Canada side win the vote in October.

“People need to understand what it would be to set up a fully functional national government from scratch,” says the premier.

“I think people just need to look at the facts and see whether what is being proposed is realistic.

“I think it’s responsible for us to be very forthright about the costs associated with what is proposed here so people can make an informed decision.

“I hope that decision is to remain in Canada.”

You can almost hear the roar of disapproval from the social media voices of the Alberta independence movement.

They were already ticked off.

Smith didn’t give them a Yes/No vote on independence and they don’t buy the premier’s explanation that the separatist referendum petition being tied up in the courts means she can’t put the Yes/No vote on the October ballot.

Some are working to dump her as UCP leader and premier.

So Smith’s latest listing of Alberta independence expenses will enrage them more.

Smith soldiers on. The premier mentions again how she will vote for Alberta to remain in Canada.

She talks about how Brexit, pulling the United Kingdom out of the European Union, didn’t work out the way the Brexit backers anticipated.

Once again, Smith says the independent Republic of Alberta will have to negotiate all new trade deals, including with the Americans and the Europeans.

“That will cause a disruption in the economy.”

“Presumably we’d have tariffs on all of our goods.

“If your reject your allies then they reject you. I think we have to be realistic about what we would be looking for in dollars and cents.”

Smith again adds she is supporting Alberta remaining in Canada.

She uses the word of the day one more time. The premier obviously feels the word bears repeating.

Realistic.

“We want to be very realistic what kind of costs and inconveniences people would have in their life if they decided to vote otherwise.”

To vote to go down the road to independence.

So there is the report where the details of the gobsmacking price to be paid for Alberta independence will be rolled out.

“It can’t be done overnight,” says Smith.

“We want it out in time for people to have enough time to digest it before the vote.”

The vote in October.

By the way, Smith also isn’t sure citizens of an independent Alberta will get to keep a Canadian passport.

"Danielle Smith in 2011" by Dave Cournoyer is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

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06/04/2026

New colossal $570-million plant in the works just outside Edmonton

By: Laine Mitchell | Daily Hive

The oil and gas sector in Alberta continues to chug along, with a massive new plant announced just outside of Edmonton to the tune of $570 million.

Pembina Pipeline Corporation announced earlier this week that it is proceeding with the Heartland Extraction Plant (“HEP”), which will be in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, northeast of Edmonton.

The new plant, or HEP, will involve liquid extraction rights on the Yellowhead Pipeline, with Pembina and Dow reaching a mutually beneficial solution that has increased the overall ethane supply commitment.

“As previously disclosed, Pembina pursued an optimized ethane portfolio solution in support of its Dow supply commitments and is excited to sanction this project, which also provides Pembina the economic benefits of propane-plus natural gas liquids (‘NGL’) production,” a news release stated.

HEP has an estimated cost of approximately $570 million and an anticipated in-service date in late 2029.

Pembina signed a long-term agreement at HEP to supply Dow with ethane beginning in late 2029, scaling to 22,500 barrels per day (“bpd”) by the end of 2030. Following extraction at HEP, the ethane-plus mix will be processed at a combination of Dow’s Fort Saskatchewan facility and Pembina’s Redwater Complex.

Photo creds:

"Coal power plant Datteln 2 Crop1" by Image by Arnold Paul cropped by Gralo is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

06/04/2026

New CASA House for the north

Construction is underway for a new CASA House in Fort McMurray, expanding access to specialized mental health care for children and youth with complex needs.

Alberta’s government is partnering with CASA Mental Health to build a facility in Fort McMurray that will expand specialized mental health and addiction treatment for youth in grades 7 to 12. It will provide live-in and day treatment programs for youth who are experiencing complex mental health or addiction challenges but do not require care in an acute hospital or psychiatric setting.

The Fort McMurray CASA House is expected to start accepting referrals in late 2027, with a purpose-built design that will support quality care in an inclusive, trauma-informed environment. By bringing services closer to home, it will help reduce the need for families in the area to travel long distances to access care.

“Our government is committed to removing barriers to mental health supports for young Albertans across the province. This new CASA House in Fort McMurray will make a real difference for youth and their families by ensuring specialized, high-quality care is available closer to where they live.”
Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction

The new 20-bed facility will help about 80 youth and their families annually. Programming will be offered by a multi-disciplinary team, with a focus on strong family involvement. Supports include life skills development, on-site schooling and individual, group and family therapy. Clients receive services through a CASA House for about four months.

“CASA Mental Health is thankful that the Government of Alberta has recognized the urgent need for more mental health treatment for Alberta families, and has provided funding to make new CASA House facilities a reality across the province. As a mom and health care leader, I see first-hand how many young people and their families are struggling with significant mental illness, including our friends, our neighbours, our co-workers and often our own families. This growing need drives CASA to expand our circle of care so more medical and therapeutic treatment options are available closer to home, when and where they’re needed.”
Bonnie Blakley, CEO, CASA Mental Health

“My child was experiencing such severe mental health struggles that they became a danger to themselves. After a long journey, Faer was admitted to CASA House at 13 years old. Faer is now 18 and thriving most days – but most importantly, surviving every day. I’m so pleased more young people and their families will have better lives because of a new CASA House facility.”
Jill Oliver, parent of CASA House alumni

The new CASA House in Fort McMurray will expand the network of child and youth mental health supports in northern Alberta, complementing existing services such as Recovery Alberta supports, the CASA Mental Health Classroom at St. Gabriel School and community and digital options, including Kickstand Connect, Kids Help Phone, 211 Alberta and Counselling Alberta, helping ensure youth and families can access timely, appropriate support close to home and online.

Alberta’s government continues to make record investments to build the Alberta Recovery Model – a comprehensive system of mental health and addiction care, helping Albertans at every step of their recovery journey and making the province a better place to call home.
Quick facts

The Fort McMurray CASA House will be two stories, for a total size of more than 3,200 square metres. It is being built in southeast Fort McMurray in Quarry Ridge.
CASA Mental Health is Alberta’s second-largest provider of community-based mental health services for children and youth, focusing on those whose needs go beyond what can be supported in school or community settings alone.
The organization served more than 11,500 clients and family members in 2025-26 with 97 percent of caregivers and 94 percent of clients reporting they were satisfied with CASA services.
The province has invested about $75 million to establish four CASA Houses across the province, with additional funding to support their operation.
One CASA House is operating in Alberta, located in Sherwood Park, with three more being established in Calgary, Fort McMurray and Medicine Hat.
Once all are fully operational, the four CASA Houses are anticipated to help more than 300 young Albertans annually.

Photo creds:

"Downtown Fort MacMurray April 2016" by jasonwoodhead23 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

06/04/2026

South Bow Announces Successful Open Season

CALGARY, Alberta, May 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — South Bow Corp. (TSX & NYSE: SOBO) (South Bow or the Company) announces the successful outcome of its open season, which closed on March 30, 2026, securing 20-year binding commitments for firm transportation service from Hardisty, Alta., to U.S. delivery points.

From BOE Report:

South Bow will continue advancing its proposed Prairie Connector project toward a final investment decision (FID), targeted for mid-2027, while strictly adhering to the Company’s risk preferences and capital allocation priorities. Next steps include acquiring remaining permits and government assurances for permit durability, advancing ex*****on plans, finalizing cost estimates, engaging with communities, landowners, Indigenous groups, and other stakeholders, and securing financing. The FID will be subject to the satisfaction of these activities. The Company will provide more details regarding expected pre-FID activities and spending profile as part of its second-quarter 2026 disclosures.

“Achieving strong commercial support in the open season marks another critical milestone for our proposed Prairie Connector project and underscores the ongoing need for market access for Western Canadian crude oil to key demand and refining markets,” said Bevin Wirzba, South Bow’s chief executive officer. “We appreciate the significant commitment and confidence from our customers and look forward to advancing this project to support growth in secure and reliable Canadian energy.”

Prairie Connector Project

If sanctioned, South Bow’s proposed Prairie Connector project would extend from Hardisty, Alta., to the Canada-U.S. border, where it would connect to Bridger Pipeline LLC’s downstream facilities. The Prairie Connector project includes the construction of approximately 380 kilometres of 36-inch pipeline and associated facilities, as well as leveraging approximately 150 kilometres of previously installed and preserved 36-inch pipeline and two pump stations.

Forward-looking information and statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, forward-looking statements), including forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of applicable securities legislation, that are based on South Bow’s current expectations, estimates, projections, and assumptions in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends. All statements other than statements of historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as, “anticipate”, “will”, “expect”, “estimate”, “potential”, “future”, “outlook”, “strategy”, “maintain”, “ongoing”, “intend”, and similar expressions suggesting future events or future performance.

In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements, including certain financial outlooks, pertaining to, without limitation, the following: the results of the open season, including the term of binding commitments for firm transportation service; expectations regarding the proposed Prairie Connector project, including its potential scope, route, connectivity, development, advancement, de-risking, and potential sanctioning; the anticipated timing of a FID, the conditions thereto, and whether a positive FID will be achieved; adherence to the Company’s risk preferences and capital allocation priorities; the anticipated planning and development activities required to advance the project, including permitting and government assurances for permit durability, ex*****on planning, cost estimation, stakeholder engagement, financing, and risk mitigation; the anticipated benefits of the project, including providing additional market access for Western Canadian crude oil; and the timing and content of future disclosures, including second-quarter 2026 updates.

The forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions that South Bow has made in respect thereof as of the date of this news release regarding, among other things: oil and gas industry development activity levels and the geographic region of such activity; Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin crude oil supply; that favourable market conditions exist and that South Bow has and will have available capital to fund its capital expenditures and other planned spending; prevailing commodity prices, interest rates, inflation levels, carbon prices, tax rates, and exchange rates; the ability of South Bow to maintain current credit ratings; the availability of capital to fund future capital requirements; future operating costs; asset integrity costs; that all required regulatory and environmental approvals can be obtained on the necessary terms in a timely manner; and prevailing regulatory, tax, and environmental laws and regulations.

Although South Bow believes the assumptions and other factors reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date hereof, there can be no assurance that these assumptions and factors will prove to be correct and, as such, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially, including, but not limited to: the regulatory environment and related decisions and requirements; the impact of competitive entities and pricing; reliance on third parties to successfully operate and maintain certain assets; the strength and operations of the energy industry; weakness or volatility in commodity prices; non-performance or default by counterparties; actions taken by governmental or regulatory authorities; the impacts of ongoing geopolitical events; the ability of South Bow to acquire or develop and maintain necessary infrastructure; fluctuations in operating results; adverse general economic and market conditions; the ability to access various sources of debt and equity capital on acceptable terms; and adverse changes in credit. The foregoing list of assumptions and risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. For additional information on the assumptions made, and the risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from the results implied by forward-looking statements, refer to South Bow’s annual information form for the year ended Dec. 31, 2025, available under South Bow’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and, from time to time, in South Bow’s public disclosure documents, available on South Bow’s website at www.southbow.com, under South Bow’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca, and in South Bow’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release speak only as of the date hereof. South Bow does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information contained herein, except as required by applicable laws. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

About South Bow

South Bow safely operates 4,900 kilometres (3,045 miles) of crude oil pipeline infrastructure, connecting Alberta crude oil supplies to U.S. refining markets in Illinois, Oklahoma, and the U.S. Gulf Coast through our unrivalled market position. We take pride in what we do—providing safe and reliable transportation of crude oil to North America’s highest demand markets. As an investment-grade entity based in Calgary, Alberta, South Bow’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SOBO. To learn more, visit www.southbow.com.

Photo creds:

"Trans-Alaska oil pipeline, near Fairbanks" by amerune is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

06/04/2026

'A new chapter' — De Havilland Canada breaks ground on new facility near Calgary
By Devon Dekuyper | Calgary Herald

De Havilland Canada broke ground on its new aircraft manufacturing facility Friday afternoon, continuing the momentum of Calgary’s rapidly-growing aviation sector.

De Havilland Field — 11 kilometres west of Strathmore in the heart of Wheatland County — spans 1,500 acres, and once complete will include an aerodrome and facilities for manufacturing, assembly, research and development, education and distribution.

“We’re beginning maybe two years early, because we don’t turn 100 until 2028, but we’re beginning a new chapter — the next 100 years in De Havilland history,” said Sherry Brydson, owner of De Havilland.

“You’re standing here where our main factory is going to be, and the first thing that’s going to be here . . . is the parts manufacturing and the warehouse and distribution centre.”

“You’re part of rebuilding Canada’s aviation industry, and in doing so we’re answering our prime minister’s call to build Canada better,” said Brydson to the crowd of De Havilland employees gathered for the groundbreaking. “This isn’t a political message, it just so happens that we agree with our prime minister that we need more manufacturing, and we need it now. We’re bringing literally billions of dollars into the Canadian economy and spreading it around, and you are an important part of rebuilding the Canadian economy.”

Plans for the project were first announced in 2022, and Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Minister Joseph Schow said it could support up to 3,000 jobs.

“For a long time, Alberta has been known as an oil and gas province,” Schow said. “That’s not going to change, but there’s so much more that we have to offer in sectors like aviation, aerospace and advanced manufacturing.”

De Havilland Field, he said, will be one of the largest aviation investments Canada has ever seen.

“We see recent announcements from companies like Lufthansa Technik and CAE, who demonstrate that Alberta is an excellent place to invest,” he said.

“But it was the leadership and the vision from De Havilland that blazed a trail in Alberta . . . putting us on the map and making us a true hub for aerospace and aviation, and that is something to be proud of.”

DeHavilland Field will grow the area says Reeve

Wheatland County Reeve Scott Klassen said the decision to build the facility in Wheatland County represents a vision for growth and opportunity in the region.

“De Havilland’s decision to locate here in Wheatland County is significant. It strengthens our role in Canada’s aviation and manufacturing sector, and reinforces that Wheatland County is well positioned for opportunities like this,” Klassen said.

The investment, he said, will have a lasting effect on Wheatland County residents.

“In the short term, it will generate jobs through construction activity,” he said. “Longer term, it is expected to support a substantial number of permanent skilled positions, creating opportunities for people to build careers closer to home.

For the young people in our communities, this opens new pathways in trades, manufacturing and aviation. It creates opportunities to stay, grow and build the future right here in Wheatland County.”

Klassen also highlighted the broader economic effects the project will have for the area.

“A project of this scale . . . attracts suppliers, contractors and complementary industries, it supports local businesses here and creates a new demand for housing services and amenities across the region,” he said. “In addition, this reinforces Wheatland County’s position as an investment-ready municipality with the land access and environment needed for major industry to succeed.

“I am confident this site will be something we can all take pride in. Aircraft will be built here in Wheatland County, and will be used across Canada and around the world,” he said.

[email protected]

Photo cred:

"de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter ‘OO-SUD’" by HawkeyeUK - Lest We Forget is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

06/03/2026

Crimes are heavily concentrated in Calgary and Edmonton metropolitan areas, hitting central and southern Alberta the hardest — and the threat is accelerating, Mike Ellis said

Article from: Calgary Herald | by Daniel Gonzalez

The Alberta government is committing $8 million to help police combat gang-related violence and extortion across the province.

Such crimes, which have recently targeted members of the South Asian community, need a co-ordinated effort that spans jurisdictions, Public Safety and Emergency Services Minister Mike Ellis said at the McDougall Centre on Thursday.

The Calgary Police Service will receive $2,240,535, while $2,245,550 will go to Edmonton police, $2 million to Alberta RCMP and $1.505 million to ALERT.

“In Calgary alone, I can tell you the police are currently investigating at least 28 extortion incidents,” Ellis said. “Since at least April of 2025, there have been 44 extortion-related incidents in Calgary. Nineteen of these incidents involve shootings at homes and businesses and vehicles.”

He said 11 people have been charged in relation to the crimes.

Alberta RCMP has tracked 45 distinct South Asian extortion incidents, with one-third of the cases involving violence.

Crimes are heavily concentrated in Calgary and Edmonton metropolitan areas, and the threat is accelerating, Ellis said.

The funding will build on previous measures, including ALERT’s gang suppression unit that the province funded in 2023.

“We’ve also invested in additional RCMP officers, civilian staff and prosecutors to address organized crime spreading into rural communities,” Ellis said. “And our government continues to push for stronger measures against crime at the federal level, especially as we are seeing a rise in global criminal networks involving violence, extortion and trafficking.

“Simply put, organized crime has no place in Alberta, full stop.”

FORCES TO USE FUNDING ON TECHNOLOGY, PROJECTS

Calgary will use the funds to support specialized tools, intelligence systems and digital forensic capabilities, said Calgary police Chief Katie McLellan.

She encouraged anyone affected by such crimes to contact authorities.

“This investigation ensures we can continue to adapt, respond and keep Calgarians and all Albertans safe,” McLellan said.

Investigations involving criminal networks are increasingly sophisticated and require time and money, said Alberta RCMP Deputy Commissioner Trevor Daroux.

The RCMP will use its funding to enhance its investigative capabilities through more advanced technology.

It also helped establish the Alberta RCMP rural organized crime team, a specialized mobile unit of 13 experienced officers that targets gang activity and violent offenders linked to drugs and fi****ms.

Through Project Gaslight in 2024, Edmonton police responded to organized extortion that used violence and intimidation to terrorize members of Edmonton’s South Asian community, said Investigations and Support Services Bureau Deputy Chief Nicole Chapdelaine.

“That investigation led to six arrests and at least 54 charges, and involved technology, intelligence, and coordinated police work to disrupt an organized criminal network,” Chapdelaine said. “We also sought the extradition of the suspect leader, believed to be overseas, highlighting the transnational reach of organized crime and the challenges that creates for local investigations.”

The project required a year’s worth of work and $650,000 in resources, and the investment will continue to support their work.

‘The government didn’t look the other way’The announcement is not just a budget item but an immediate lifeline, said Dashmesh Cultural Centre chair Ranbir Singh Parmar, whose community has been targeted by extortion networks.

“When we raised the alarm, this government didn’t look the other way,” Parmar said. “Mr. Ellis rolled up his sleeves, met with us and promised action . . . This investment gives us, gives law enforcement, the modern tools they need to dismantle these criminal networks.”

In February, Ellis and law enforcement met with members of Calgary’s South Asian community to listen to their concerns.

Through engagement and extortion-related arrests made earlier this month, the community is beginning to see the light.

“As an organization, we will keep encouraging them to stand up,” Parmar said. “We do not need to bend against criminals. We’ll do our part.”

Photo creds:

"Calgary police on horseback" by Robert Thivierge (User:Thivierr) is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

06/03/2026

Western Premiers discuss building a stronger and more secure Canada

To achieve the prosperity and change we want to see in this great country we need unity, certainty, and stability that enables each province and territory to develop their economies and export their resources to the world. We are stronger as members of a united Canada. Premiers are committed to working together and with the federal government through challenging issues that have created frustration for many Western Canadians to create a more prosperous future.

Amid growing global instability, trade uncertainty, and intensifying international competition for investment, Premiers are united in their commitment to urgently advance economic growth, expand access to new markets, and secure the infrastructure needed to support jobs and long-term prosperity for Western and Northern Canadians.

Canada cannot afford delays in building nation-building infrastructure, and it is critical to continue advancing international trade agreements, removing investment barriers, and accelerating project approvals to get Western Canadian products to global markets.
Economic Corridors Support Growth and Jobs

In an increasingly competitive global environment, expanding export markets and strengthening trade corridors is essential to unlocking the West’s economic potential. Provinces and territories have invested billions in trade corridors, but more investment and faster action are needed. Western Premiers emphasized that market access must be supported by efficient transportation and trade-enabling infrastructure connecting Western and Northern Canada to tidewater on all three coasts, as well as reliable, competitive air access to support trade, investment, and workforce mobility.

Significant investments in expanding export infrastructure will be required to move Canada’s resources to new markets. This includes pipelines, rail, and expanded port infrastructure to meet the growing demand for Western Canada’s wide array of products including agriculture, oil and gas, liquified natural gas, critical minerals and forestry products. Premiers call on the federal government to match their ambitions in advancing critical export infrastructure projects forward in an accelerated manner.

Building on their 2025 Memorandum of Understanding on Economic Corridors, Western Premiers today released a report highlighting provincial and territorial collaboration, priority infrastructure projects across the West, and strategic long-term investment opportunities. The report outlines a shared vision for port-to-port-to-port trade corridors across Western Canada, including enhanced access to the Ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Churchill, and Grays Bay.

It estimates that maintaining and expanding the western economic corridor system will require tens of billions of dollars annually in combined public and private investment over the next 50 years. Premiers acknowledge federal efforts to date and emphasize the need for further significant investment and collaboration that reflects provincial and territorial priorities, with flexibility to account for the unique context of each jurisdiction.
CUSMA Review and International Trade

With discussions underway on the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review, Premiers emphasized the importance of a stable and predictable North American trade framework. Stable market access is critical to jobs, investment, and the competitiveness of key Western sectors, including energy, mining, forestry, agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Premiers reiterated support for strengthening existing global trade ties and pursuing new international trade agreements that deliver tangible benefits to Western economies. They also called on the federal government to redouble efforts to resolve the long-standing softwood lumber dispute and associated U.S. duties and tariffs that continue to disproportionately impact Western Canadian workers and communities.

Premiers remain committed to a collaborative approach in responding to tariffs and trade actions in North America and call on the federal government to address remaining discriminatory Chinese tariffs on seafood and agricultural products, including pork and canola oil, while pursuing a broader long-term trade agreement with China.

Premiers strongly support efforts to grow Canada’s economy and support Canadian businesses during this period of trade uncertainty. They emphasized the importance of ensuring federal Buy Canadian policies remain flexible enough to advance major projects in a timely and cost-effective manner, without unnecessary administrative burden. Premiers also called on the federal government to ensure steel trade and industrial measures reflect the geographic and industrial realities of Western Canada and protect downstream manufacturing capacity.
Removing Federal Barriers to Economic Growth and Investment

Western Premiers agreed that expanding access to global markets must be matched by the ability to build and deliver major projects without unnecessary delays, duplication, or excessive costs. Premiers emphasized that Western provinces and territories, alongside industry, have long called for a more efficient and predictable federal regulatory system that supports investment, strengthens Canada’s competitiveness, and advances nation-building infrastructure.

Premiers welcomed the federal government’s intention to advance legislative reforms to accelerate project approvals and strengthen economic competitiveness. Several of the proposed federal measures reflect longstanding priorities advanced by Western Premiers, including “one project, one review,” streamlined approvals, and greater certainty earlier in the review and decision-making process.

Premiers stressed that reforms must be implemented through legislation and concrete policy changes, after completing the 30 day engagement process committed to in the federal discussion papers, to provide clear policy direction to industry, investors, Indigenous communities, and workers. Premiers emphasized that governments must move decisively to shorten permitting timelines, improve decision-making clarity, and accelerate approvals for major resource projects, and agreed to provide the Prime Minister with a list of federal barriers that continue to hinder major projects and economic growth.
Major Projects, Energy and Critical Minerals

Premiers emphasized that Canada is in a critical window to secure investment in major projects across the West and North and that governments must act decisively to advance strategic infrastructure and major projects.

Western Canada remains a global leader in responsible energy production and resource development. Expanding energy and electricity infrastructure is essential to meet growing domestic and global demand for Canada’s energy resources, including hydro, wind, oil, natural gas, and uranium. Premiers commend the federal government for recognizing the vital importance of doubling Canada’s electricity grid by 2050 to protect Canadian consumers and support economic growth. As Canada prepares to pursue this goal, it is critical that the federal government work bilaterally with each province and territory to develop an approach that respects provincial jurisdiction over electricity and enables investment while protecting rate payers.

Western Premiers call on the federal government to invest in provincial and territorial electricity priorities, including new and existing entities and transmission infrastructure. Affordable, reliable, and secure electricity is essential to supporting communities, industry, and major project development across Western Canada.

Premiers also highlighted Western Canada’s strategic advantage in critical minerals and the importance of investing in transportation and electricity infrastructure to unlock these resources, particularly in remote and northern regions. Premiers also noted ongoing work to develop a Western Critical Minerals Strategy to strengthen national resilience, diversify trade, and support mineral production and processing along strategic corridors. Premiers called on the federal government to ensure equitable funding for critical mineral development in Western Canada.
Arctic Sovereignty and Defence

Western Premiers welcomed the federal government’s plans to reach the NATO defence spending target of 5 per cent of GDP, with 3.5 per cent for direct military expenditures and 1.5 per cent for defence-related infrastructure, including dual-use projects. These investments will help transform Canada from a defence importer into a global powerhouse for military exports to allies while supporting community development and strengthening Canadian sovereignty.

Premiers also emphasized that the scale and complexity of proposed defence and security investments should support economic participation across all regions of Canada, including by leveraging existing military, aerospace, marine, industrial, and Arctic research capabilities. Premiers agreed that investments in the North should address significant existing infrastructure gaps and must create opportunities for northern residents, communities, and Indigenous businesses, and noted the importance of flexible procurement approaches to support meaningful participation.

Premiers discussed the opportunities that would come with locating the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank in Western Canada. This multilateral financial institution will mobilize long-term, affordable capital for defence, security, and resilience projects for Canada and our allies. Locating the DSRB in Vancouver would provide a strategic Pacific location creating a bridge between NATO partners and Indo Pacific allies, capitalize on Western Canada’s strengths in defence and security investment and innovation, and strengthen Canada’s economic and security interests.

Western Premiers have agreed to host a Western Canadian defence procurement conference to bring together governments and private sector representatives to prepare to maximize the benefits of increased defence investment.
Community and School Safety

Premiers expressed deep concern and sorrow about the tragic events in Tumbler Ridge in February. They share concerns about any incidents affecting school safety in any community and emphasized the importance of coordinated approaches and evidence-based solutions to address evolving risks, including those associated with online harms and emerging technologies. Premiers underscored the need for federal legislation to require mandatory reporting of online threats of violence, which must include a national reporting threshold for platforms that obtain information that suggests their users may be threatening or planning acts of violence.

Western provinces and territories are taking action to strengthen community safety and support sustainable policing services. Premiers expressed concern that ongoing uncertainty around RCMP contract policing and staffing shortages continue to affect service delivery across communities. Premiers urge the Parliament of Canada to swiftly pass the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act (Bill C-14), and call on the federal government to work closely with provinces and territories to strengthen bail provisions and improve public safety outcomes. Premiers noted the importance of regional perspectives being represented within Canada’s justice system and discussed the potential role of provincial and territorial engagement in the judicial appointment process.
Disaster preparedness and wildfire response

Premiers welcomed the recent federal announcement leasing 10 new firefighting planes and helicopters to help provinces and territories respond to wildfires. Premiers emphasized the need for timely federal engagement to ensure provinces and territories have the resources required to undertake prevention, mitigation and adaptation to respond effectively to hazard seasons and emergency events. Premiers called on the federal government to modernize certification rules so that ex-military aircraft like the UH-60 Black Hawk can operate in Canadian airspace, unlocking a lower-cost pathway for companies to enter the wildfire aviation market with heavy lift helicopters. Strengthening domestic readiness is increasingly important as wildfire seasons become more severe and it is critical to address flood risk including enabling affordable flood insurance. Western Premiers call on the federal government for additional funding to PTs to invest in disaster preparedness as well as to support resilience building for Indigenous communities.

Photo creds:
"Danielle Smith 2014" by Manning Centre c/o: Jake Wright is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Grassroots Alberta Citizens Initiative/Centre for the Alberta Taxpayer

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