Moe joins other premiers in unified message at Western Premiers Conference

In both each other’s comments and questions for them, the premiers couldn’t get away from the spectre of potential Alberta separation at the Western Premiers Conference this week.

Premier Scott Moe on Monday said he didn’t think it was his place to tell people in Alberta what to do, but did say there are many reasons to stay in Canada.

On Monday and Tuesday other premiers went further, encouraging Albertans to vote to stay in Canada, saying that leaving would be a huge mistake.

The first paragraph of the conference news release from the premiers talked about the “unity, certainty and stability” needed to grow economies and exports.

At the final news conference for the premiers on Tuesday, Moe answered a question about the Constitution and questions about changes to it that have also been swirling around in the West.

Moe responded by talking about the merits of working together in Canada.

He repeated points his government has long been concerned about — which areas are of provincial jurisdiction and which are federal. And Moe talked about the lack of respect he felt former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had for those jurisdictions, and how he felt it contributed to alienation in the West.

“That appears to be changing and, albeit not perfect from my view, I would like to see things move quicker, faster and go further — however they are changing and they’re changing significantly,” explained Moe.

He said the new Prime Minister Mark Carney is fostering a collaborative approach.

“You won’t get your way every time, however you will have the opportunity to have the conversation to make your case,” said Moe.

“And I think it’s important to note that we will get our way sometimes in certain areas of the nation, and we will be able to build our economy in each of our provinces and access those markets around the world.”

To that end, Moe said he believes the largest projects for Canada are yet to come if the provinces continue to work together.

“If we continue to work together, have those frank and civil conversations, speak about working together and the unity of our nation, giving everyone reason to want to be a part of our nation,” he said.

He didn’t specifically talk about separation, but Moe asserted that it’s the Canadian way to work through challenges together to get to the best solution.