Premiers call on Ottawa to grant them more control over immigration

HALIFAX - The premiers are calling on Ottawa to give provinces greater control over immigration as they seek to improve their respective economies.

The provincial leaders concluded a meeting on the economy in Halifax today where they said immigration emerged as a key issue.

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty says the provinces want greater flexibility and space from the federal government when it comes to making decisions on immigration.

Premier Christy Clark of British Columbia says the premiers want to be able to determine where to settle immigrants and how many they are allowed to accept.

Clark says the meeting is a recognition that provincial governments drive the national economy, not Ottawa.