Improving access to Asian markets for Canadian goods was one of the main topics of discussion at Thursday’s meeting between western premiers.
Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach and Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall joined Premier Christy Clark in Vancouver yesterday to renew their commitment to the New West Partnership, and discuss everything from healthcare improvements to energy and trade.
The partnership was signed a year ago in an effort to streamline trade between the provinces and improve the flow of goods to Asia.
“Together B.C., Saskatchewan and Alberta are strengthening the economy, creating a market attractive to investors and improving value for families and businesses,” said Clark.
The provinces have agreed to develop a unified health care purchasing agreement they say could save millions.
The premiers have also agreed to develop a joint strategy to promote energy trade and improve access to Asian markets.
One of the keys to that strategy will be capacity expansion at Port Metro Vancouver where commodities such as potash from Saskatchewan, oil from Alberta and wood and coal from B.C. are exported to foreign markets.
Jock Finlayson, executive vice president of the Business Council of B.C., said his organization has been supportive of the partnership since Day 1.
“There’s lots of room to make it easier to do business across the west, facilitate labour mobility … and engage in market and outreach as a region, so we’re very, very supportive of that thrust,” Finlayson told Business in Vancouver.
He added that, if done correctly, the partnership would give western provinces more clout at the national level to lobby for infrastructure improvements to increase the flow of goods to local and foreign markets.
“To the extent we can move in that direction, it stands to reason that the voice of the West can be more influential in Ottawa.”