Sleeping Dogs: Quebec and the Stabilization of Canadian Federalism after 1995

Andrew McDougall's book "Sleeping Dogs" explores how a change in federalist strategy, combined with an improving political context, helped Canada stabilize its federal system and bury the Quebec question for the foreseeable future. He identifies five potential reasons the Quebec sovereignty movement lost momentum and argues that all contributed to a political environment that benefited federalists. McDougall proposes that this strategic change was the restoration of a constitutional abeyance among federalist actors.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 23 August 2023
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

After 1995, the Quebec sovereignty movement experienced a significant shift in momentum. In his book "Sleeping Dogs," Andrew McDougall explores the factors that contributed to this decline and the political environment that ultimately helped stabilize Canada's federal system. The book identifies five potential reasons why the Quebec sovereignty movement lost steam, including elite accommodation, generational change, shifting identity politics, economic globalization, and constitutional fatigue.

McDougall delves into these topics, examining how they shaped the political landscape and influenced the trajectory of the Quebec sovereignty movement. He argues that Canada's federalist political elites capitalized on these developments to maintain stability by dropping the national question, even when they held differing visions of the Constitution. This strategic shift, according to McDougall, represents the restoration of a constitutional abeyance among federalist actors.

By examining recent history in the context of subsequent events, "Sleeping Dogs" offers a timely and important perspective on the evolving situation in Quebec and Canadian federalism. The book sheds light on the complex dynamics that have shaped the province's relationship with the rest of Canada and provides insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for both Quebec and the broader federal system.

Overall, "Sleeping Dogs" is a valuable contribution to the study of Canadian politics and history, offering a nuanced and insightful analysis of the Quebec sovereignty movement and its impact on the country's federal system.

Weight: 330g
Dimension: 228 x 151 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487522216