Premier Christy Clark will take part in the Western Premiers' Conference in Yellowknife, NWT, with a focus on partnerships and economic opportunities that are important to British Columbia.

"I am really looking forward to meeting with my colleagues to work on making the West stronger and, in turn, making Canada stronger," said Premier Clark. "The West is emerging as Canada's economic engine and working together is crucial to ensure that family-supporting jobs are created for citizens and communities.

"Together, we can look at opportunities that will benefit all western provinces and territories, and we can share British Columbia's commitment to improve life for families. I will be stressing opportunities offered by our strong relations with Asia, our plan to engage citizens in new and inclusive ways, and our patient-focused health initiatives. We can all learn from each other's experience and by teaming up, all our citizens benefit."

The western Premiers have been meeting regularly since 1973 to discuss common issues and develop strategic plans that help develop the economy and are beneficial to all provinces.

This year's conference, June 20 - 22, will include discussions around strategic partnerships between the U.S. and Canada, and Asia and Canada. The Premiers will also explore economic opportunities in the West, such as labour market and investment, energy, safer communities and healthy families. The conference will include a visit to Nahanni National Park to mark National Aboriginal Day on June 21, and the Premiers will join residents of Yellowknife and Fort Simpson as they celebrate.

The western Premiers include Premier Christy Clark - B.C., Premier Ed Stelmach - Alberta, Premier Brad Wall - Saskatchewan, Premier Greg Selinger - Manitoba, Premier Darrell Pasloski - Yukon, Premier Floyd Roland - Northwest Territories, and Premier Eva Aariak - Nunavut.

Following the Western Premier's meeting, Premier Clark will travel to Ottawa for meetings with federal officials.

Contact:

Chris Olsen
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
604 220-1640