Canada is one of the most decentralized countries in the world. Quebec nearly voted to separate in 1995 and the current government of that province says it will try again. The west feels alienated from Ottawa. Nova Scotia wants a better deal on equalization.
Aboriginal peoples are pressing for self-government and the courts say they have a right to get it.
These are just some of the issues and questions that arise from the way power is organized in our federation. This class explores the underlying causes of these problems and why they seem so difficult to resolve. We look at the constitutional framework of Canadian federalism and the role of the courts, regionalism, federal-provincial relations, and proposals for reform. All Rights Reserved.