Asylum seekers, equalization reform on the agenda as premiers meet in Halifax

Quebec's premier wants to bring the issue of asylum seekers to the attention of his fellow provincial leaders.

Quebec's premier wants to bring the issue of asylum seekers to the attention of his fellow provincial leaders.

Canada's premiers are in Halifax this week for the Council of the Federation conference, where Quebec's François Legault says it's clear the current situation in his province must change.

The issue has been a long-standing one for Legault, who also addressed the matter last month during a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

"We really need to decrease the number," said Legault, noting around 190,000 asylum seekers enter Quebec per year.

He added, "The future of French on the Island of Montreal is in play."

Also on board with this issue is Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. 

While Alberta and Quebec share an interest in having the federal government support asylum seekers in Canada, Smith says Alberta doesn't have Ottawa's ear on this matter the way Quebec seemingly does.