Canada’s provincial and territorial premiers gathered in Halifax for a three-day meeting that concluded with a series of significant statements and calls for federal support. The meeting, attended by all 13 premiers, covered pressing national issues, including immigration, housing, healthcare, and equalization payments.
Immigration and Housing
One of the central topics of discussion was the influx of asylum seekers and the associated pressures on provincial resources. Ontario Premier Doug Ford emphasized the urgent need for the federal government to expedite work visas for immigrants, highlighting the financial burden on Toronto. “We’ve received about $6.2 million, but we’re spending over a billion dollars,” Ford said, stressing the necessity for immediate federal intervention to alleviate housing shortages for newcomers.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew echoed Ford’s concerns, specifically about supporting francophone asylum seekers. “We can only do it if there’s help from the federal government. We have the housing needs, the healthcare and social needs in Manitoba,” Kinew stated. He underscored Manitoba’s readiness to assist but insisted on federal support to meet the increased demand.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith drew parallels with Quebec’s situation, mentioning that Alberta, with just under 12% of the population, is now accepting 22% of the newcomers. “We’re going flat out building housing,” Smith said, noting the province’s efforts to increase housing construction by 60% year-over-year. She highlighted the strain on infrastructure and social programs, calling for a balanced approach and federal recognition of provincial efforts.
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs added, “We’re getting pushback from many citizens about the cost of affordability and the availability,” reflecting the shared concern among premiers about balancing compassion with practical limits.
Provincial-Federal Relations
The premiers collectively urged the federal government to respect provincial jurisdictions and collaborate on national issues. Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston highlighted the need for federal restraint in areas traditionally managed by provinces, such as education and housing. “We want them to be our partner and support us,” Houston said, calling for a more coordinated approach.
Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King provided an example of successful provincial initiatives like the school lunch program, urging the federal government to partner with provinces rather than duplicate efforts. “We could exceed the goals the federal government has set,” King asserted, emphasizing the efficiency of provincial programs.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized federal spending inefficiencies, citing the federal school food program’s higher costs compared to Ontario’s more effective approach. “Something’s broken, they’re wasting taxpayers’ money,” Ford declared, advocating for greater accountability and provincial autonomy in managing such programs.
Equalization Payments
The discussion on equalization payments also featured prominently. Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, and British Columbia are considering legal action to address perceived inequities in the current formula. Alberta’s Smith referenced a referendum advocating for removing equalization from the Constitution, describing the formula as “fundamentally broken.” She expressed a preference for provincial negotiation over Supreme Court intervention, urging a new formula that works for all provinces.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe supported intervention in the upcoming lawsuit, pointing out flaws in the current formula and proposing a 50/50 split between per capita allocation and the existing formula to reduce disparities.
Affordability and Federal Policies
Affordability issues were another critical focus. Manitoba’s Kinew highlighted his province’s suspension of the gasoline tax, which contributed to the lowest inflation rate in the country. He urged the federal government to consider similar measures, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public support for climate-friendly policies by alleviating economic pressures.
The meeting underscored the complexities of federal-provincial relations and the need for collaborative approaches to national issues. The premiers called on the federal government to partner more effectively with provinces and territories, ensuring that policies are tailored to regional needs and that resources are allocated efficiently.