Western Premiers met in Vancouver over the past two days to discuss ways to build future prosperity in Canada’s Western provinces and territories.

Western Premiers acknowledged progress, as directed by Canada’s Premiers last year, on creating a national inventory of firefighting resources and ensuring that training is provided to Canadian Armed Forces personnel in wildfire firefighting techniques.

Western Premiers began their annual meeting in Vancouver with an expression of support for Fort McMurray and other affected northern communities.

The B.C. government will be advancing key priorities as it meets with representatives from the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER).

Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Peter Fassbender, on behalf of Premier Christy Clark, will present Patricia Housty, a well-known Bella Bella citizen, with the province’s newest honour, the Medal of Good Citizenship.

It’s another victory for B.C. as the province hosts a new international sporting tournament, the HSBC Women’s World Rugby Sevens Series. The women’s series is one of a number of world-renowned sporting events that are attracting visitors and keeping British Columbia in the global spotlight.

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training Shirley Bond, on behalf of Premier Christy Clark, presented Judith Armstrong and Nick Marsden with the province’s newest honour, the Medal of Good Citizenship.

Joan LeMoine, a well-known Parksville citizen and community ambassador, was presented with the province’s newest honour, the Medal of Good Citizenship.