Federalism in Canada: Contested Concepts and Uneasy Balances

Federalism in Canada explores the complex relationship between shared sovereignty and divided governance, highlighting its significance in Canadian politics and the divide between English Canada and Quebec. It examines the constitution's ambiguous allocation of divided powers, the courts' role in balancing these powers, and the political leaders' interactions. The book also recognizes the trajectory of Canada's Indigenous peoples in the context of federalism, from years of abusive neglect to belated efforts of inclusion.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 09 April 2021
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

Federalism in Canada is a complex and dynamic story that spans from Confederation to the present day, with three main objectives in mind. The first objective is to convince readers that federalism is the primary animating force in Canadian politics and that it is worth engaging with its complex nature and dynamic. The second objective is to bring into closer focus the contested concepts about the meaning and operation of federalism that are at the root of the divide between English Canada and Quebec in particular. The third objective is to give recognition to the trajectory of Canada's Indigenous peoples in the context of Canadian federalism, from years of abusive neglect to belated efforts of inclusion. The book focuses on the constitution with its ambiguous allocation of divided powers, the pivotal role of the courts in balancing these powers, and the political leaders whose interactions oscillate between intergovernmental conflict and cooperation. This focus on executive leadership and judicial supervision is framed by considerations of Canada's regionalized political economy and cultural diversity, giving students a compelling and nuanced view of federalism in Canada.

Weight: 532g
Dimension: 174 x 229 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781442636453