B.C.’s Premier says he doesn’t think the federal government is ignoring the province while trying to mend relationships in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

John Horgan, in a session ending media conference, says he is “comfortable” with the relationship that his government has with Ottawa.

“I don’t need to have a wall of pictures of me doing stuff with people,” he said. “I’m comfortable that British Columbia has an important role to play in our Federation, and we are in a unique time, and I fully intend to do my level best to make a positive contribution to national unity.”

The federal government has met with the Premiers of the two prairie provinces, but not with Horgan since last month’s election. Horgan says he has had several conversations with both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland since then.

“I spoke to [Chrystia Freeland] last week, not just about the coming COF (Council of the Federations) meeting [on Monday], but also about softwood lumber… I have a very positive working relationship with her. She was one of the first people who congratulated me upon forming a government.

“I’m also very comfortable with my relationship with the Prime Minister.”

He says the two governments have a number of issues that they want to work on together.

“I also have a responsibility at the Council of Federation table to make sure that I’m trying to shape the discussions that we have there in a positive way, and that’s what I’ll do,” noted Horgan. “I don’t feel overlooked. I didn’t need someone to come and hold my hand.”

“I’ve had numerous conversations with leaders in Ottawa and I’m comfortable with that.”