Western Canada normally refers to three or four Canadian provinces:

• British Columbia (a few exclude the coast)
• Alberta
• Saskatchewan
• Manitoba (possibly)

Definitions

The term is sometimes disputed by residents of the most Western provinces (British Columbia and Alberta) because Manitoba is, geographically speaking, the centre of Canada. Therefore, another possible division is to put Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia in Western Canada and Manitoba in Central Canada. It has also been pointed out that Manitoba sports teams are predominantly in the Eastern Divisions of their leagues. Coastal British Columbia is sometimes separated and considered to be Pacific Canada due to the strong difference in culture, which is more in line with the coastal regions of the US states of Washington, Oregon and northern California due to the more environmental culture, distinct climates and far more liberal political alignment.

Geography

Western British Columbia adjoins the Pacific Ocean but both Alberta and Saskatchewan are landlocked. Manitoba is almost landlocked but for a small coastal area of Hudson Bay on the north east border.

British Columbia enjoys a moderated climate due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Alberta incorporates the Canadian Rocky Mountains and benefits from frequent moderate climatic conditions known as "chinooks" where warm winds raise the winter temperature sufficiently to allow a full range of winter sports and the occasional game of golf. Saskatchewan and Manitoba experience extremes in weather, although Manitoba suffers the brunt of both extremes more so than Saskatchewan. Winter in Manitoba can be clasified as harsh with arctic winds and -40 degree temperatures the norm. The extreme nature of the Manitoba climate has resulted in the capital city's nickname "Winterpeg".

Politics and demographics

In Canadian politics, the term 'The West' is often used as shorthand for the supposedly right-wing leanings of Western Canadians, as contrasted with the supposed liberalism of Central Canada. (The exception is in coastal British Columbia, which is generally far more liberal)

Climatic and economic conditions have contributed to a net out migration from Manitoba and Saskatchewan, the beneficiaries being the two stronger economies of Alberta and British Columbia. These and other socio-economic elements have resulted in British Columbia being referred to as "God's Country" and "Lotus Land"; Alberta as "The Alberta Advantage" or "The Land of Opportunity"; Saskatchewan as "The Land of Living Skies"; and Manitoba as "Canada's Arkansas".

See also: Canadian Arctic, Central Canada, Atlantic Canada

• List of regions of Canada