Arctic energy, security on agenda as Western premiers meet in Yellowknife

Premiers from Western Canada are to meet Wednesday for the first of a two-day conference in Yellowknife.

Premiers from Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut are set to attend the annual conference.

Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson's office says the leaders will discuss a range of issues, including Arctic and energy security, trade and emergency preparedness.

It says housing, economic corridors and tariffs are also on the agenda.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's office says he plans to discuss a number of priorities he's put to Prime Minister Mark Carney to take on, including strengthening the Criminal Code and allowing provinces to have full responsibility of the industrial carbon levy.

Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok says his main focus will be on the Arctic and the need for infrastructure to protect the security and sovereignty of the North.

He says the Arctic has incredible resource potential, which is why he wants to see more conversation around infrastructure building.

This year's conference comes just weeks before Canada's premiers are to meet with the prime minister in Saskatoon.