VANCOUVER - Action on climate change will top Premier Gordon Campbell's agenda as he attends the Western Premiers' Conference in Iqaluit, Nunavut, July 4 to 6.

"We know that temperatures are rising in the Arctic at a faster rate han the rest of the globe, permafrost temperatures are rising, and sea ce is shrinking," Campbell said. "All jurisdictions re recognizing the rgent need for collaboration to reduce emissions and make new progress n adaptation, research and planning."

This is the first time the Western Premiers' Conference has been held in unavut. The Western Premiers' Conference is an annual eeting that rings together premiers from the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, ritish Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

B.C. will also share ideas to work collaboratively with other provinces and territories to promote healthy living among Canadians, including initiatives currently being promoted through ActNow BC. In addition to adaptation to climate change and healthy living, premiers will discuss the Northern Vision - a document issued by the territorial premiers in May that outlines a future vision of the North. They will also discuss the unique challenges for communities in rural and remote areas. Nunavut's 26 communities are spread across nearly two million square km - almost one-fifth of Canada. Its population is over 29,000, 85 per cent of whom are Inuit.

"Western and northern jurisdictions are confronting common issues - the need for climate action; developing healthy, sustainable communities; engaging First Nations and enhancing their role in our economy and society," said Campbell. "The voice of Canada's North is critical to the country's action on these issues."

In February, British Columbia announced it will aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 33 per cent by 2020 and laid out plans to forge a Pacific Coast Collaborative - establishing a framework for leadership and co-operative action for the Pacific coast region. The Province has joined the Western Climate Initiative and the Climate Registry, and has signed agreements with California and Washington State that set out joint action on climate change and Pacific Ocean conservation.