British Columbia premier calls for more control over provincial economies

HALIFAX – British Columbia Premier Christy Clark says the premiers should assert more control of their own economies, particularly when it comes to immigration.

Clark says she hopes the premiers agree on that issue as they meet today in Halifax to discuss the economy.

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

Some premiers have criticized Prime Minister Stephen Harper for not attending the discussions, but he has said he has met with them individually and will continue to do so.

Host Premier Darrell Dexter of Nova Scotia says the provincial leaders will discuss how they can work together to ensure the Canadian economy prospers.

The premiers will hear a presentation by Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney on the bank’s outlook for the global and Canadian economies as well as on national inflation.

Carney has previously warned that rising personal debt levels and the so-called U.S. fiscal cliff are the most immediate threats to the national economy.