Meeting of Western minds

Photo: Twitter

A forest fire raging through Fort McMurray in northern Alberta has forced Canada's western leaders to alter their plans to meet in Vancouver later this week.

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley has bowed out of the 2016 Western Premiers' Conference and will be replaced by her deputy premier Sarah Hoffman, who also serves as health minister.

British Columbia Premier Christy Clark says the focus of this year's assembly has shifted toward emergency management, as the Alberta blaze forces tens of thousand to flee the encroaching flames.

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

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

Clark says the meeting will also focus on job creation, immigration and infrastructure investment, and she'll push her counterparts to reach consensus on renegotiating a softwood lumber deal with the United States.

The premiers of Canada's northern territories will also attend the event, which is scheduled to run Thursday and Friday.