Western premiers to meet in Vancouver, emergency management top of agenda

Emergency management will be at the top of the agenda at the Western Premiers' Conference that starts today in Vancouver.

British Columbia Premier Christy Clark, who is hosting the annual gathering, said the subject will be at the forefront of discussions as the blaze in Fort McMurray, Alta., forces tens of thousands to flee the encroaching flames.

"Alberta's in the midst of it at the moment, but every other western province experiences forest fires, floods, concerns about earthquakes and other disasters," Clark said on Wednesday. "So that's going to be a major focus for us."

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley will not be attending the conference, which is scheduled to run Thursday and Friday. Deputy Premier Sarah Hoffman, who also serves as the province's health minister, will replace Notley as Alberta's representative.

Clark said much of the conference would also centre around the economy, given what she described as Western Canada's role in a national context.

"We have traditionally been the economic engine of the country for the last decade," she said.

The meeting will also focus on job creation, immigration and infrastructure investment, and Clark said she intends to push her counterparts into reaching consensus on a softwood lumber deal with the United States.

Two provincial elections have taken place since last year's conference, and the premiers will be making room for a new person at the table.

Brian Pallister was officially sworn into office in Manitoba on Tuesday, two days before the conference was scheduled to begin.

"Premier Pallister is very much looking forward to meeting and improving relations with our Western neighbours," said Olivia Billson, a spokeswoman for the premier.