Asylum Seekers and Equalization Reform at the Forefront as Premiers Convene in Halifax

Quebec’s premier is determined to raise awareness about the issue of asylum seekers among his provincial counterparts.

During the Council of the Federation conference in Halifax this week, Quebec’s François Legault emphasized the need for change in his province regarding asylum seekers.

This has been a longstanding concern for Mr. Legault, who previously discussed the matter with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last month.

Mr. Legault expressed the urgency to reduce the number of asylum seekers entering Quebec, which currently stands at around 190,000 per year. He stressed the importance of preserving French on the Island of Montreal.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith also supports addressing this issue. While Alberta shares Quebec’s interest in federal support for asylum seekers in Canada, Ms. Smith feels Alberta lacks Ottawa’s attention on this matter compared to Quebec.

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“We’d like them to make the same commitment,” she said.

A press release from the Prime Minister’s Office last month indicated that Mr. Trudeau and Mr. Legault discussed asylum seekers, with a pledge of $750 million in federal funds for immigration services in Quebec.

The issue of equalization is also on the agenda in Halifax before the conference concludes on July 17. Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey is particularly concerned about this matter.

Although the province has initiated a legal challenge to push for changes to the equalization formula, Mr. Furey hopes it won’t result in a court battle.

“We firmly believe that the formula doesn’t account for the actual costs of delivering services and doesn’t align with the principles outlined in the Constitution,” he stated.

Following a revision under the Harper government, which tied equalization payments to Canada’s national growth rate, the formula has seen minor adjustments but no significant reforms since the 2008 financial crisis.