The premiers of Canada's territories and Western provinces kicked off their annual meeting by appealing to Ottawa to honour a $5-billion deal for aboriginals.
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Aboriginal leaders met with the premiers at the conference in Gimli, Man., to discuss the Kelowna agreement — a five-year, $5-billion deal with the former Liberal government designed to improve the lives of aboriginals.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper didn't mention the deal in his first budget, but has said he's committed to its "principles and objectives."
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Following Monday's meeting, aboriginal, provincial and territorial leaders reaffirmed their support for the deal.
Manitoba Premier Gary Doer said it would be "morally wrong" to abandon the accord, while B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell said his province is committed to the agreement.
"I believe the federal government will come to the table," Campbell said.
Also at the conference, Saskatchewan Premier Lorne Calvert said he'll host the first ever economic summit for aboriginal, Inuit and Metis people in 2007.
"I see this, and we see this, as an important step forward in building economic capacity and, through economic capacity, social capacity," said Calvert.
There are also plans to hold a summit on aboriginal health and violence against aboriginal women.
Assembly of First Nations Chief Phil Fontaine says he's hopeful the objectives of Kelowna could be surpassed.
"We're not only talking about $5 billion, I think," said Fontaine. "When we talk about putting wheels on Kelowna, we can actually do better ... it may be $10 billion."
Fontaine says the meeting in Gimli has given aboriginal leaders the support they need to tackle the problems facing native people.
Mexico, U.S. delegates to attend
The premiers of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, as well as the leaders of the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut are meeting to discuss regional economic and social issues.
But the agenda of the three-day meeting will expand Wednesday to include international issues, such as border security and trade, when they will be joined by other regional leaders.
The premiers of Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick, as well as governors of four U.S. states and five Mexican states are expected to attend the larger meeting with the U.S. ambassador to Canada, David Wilkins and Canada's ambassador to the U.S., Michael Wilson.
Harper may also dine with the leaders on Wednesday evening.