Photo: The Canadian Press

B.C. Premier John Horgan, right, shakes hands with Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee in Victoria, Tuesday.

The governor of Washington has highlighted the strong bonds between British Columbia and his state to fight climate change during a speech at the provincial legislature.

Jay Inslee is in Victoria for meetings with B.C. Premier John Horgan.

It's the first time since 1984 a governor from Washington state has addressed members of B.C.'s legislature.

Inslee says people living on both sides of the border do not want to see rivers without wild salmon or the Salish Sea without orcas, which is why battling climate change is what politicians of today will be remembered for most a century from now.

Inslee's speech did not mention the proposed Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project, which will increase oil tanker traffic on the West Coast.

But he said he is looking forward to improved transportation links between the two jurisdictions, including a high-speed rail route.