Asymmetry in Canada, Past and Present
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Authors
Milne, David
Date
2005
Type
working paper
Language
en
Keyword
Asymmetric Federalism Series 2005
Alternative Title
Abstract
Let us begin this series by recognizing that nature and history as a matter of course confer differences or asymmetry upon the units of every federation around the world. While the substance and scale of differences may vary from one federation to another, Canada is scarcely unique in showing differences among its units or provinces – whether in size, wealth, population, economy, geography, culture, or history. Table 1 reveals, for example, some profound disparities in population, wealth, and size among the provinces that in turn both reflect and lead to an inescapable inequality of power among provinces. Here disclosed is a Canada with a dominant centre (consisting of Ontario and Quebec) and peripheries (consisting of all the rest). This pattern of asymmetry arises from Canada’s geography, history and political economy. However, these inequalities generate vigorous debate over the nature and fairness of these patterns of asymmetry. In turn, they may give rise to demands for making formal changes in our constitutional or political arrangements to redress these disparities of power.
Description
© IIGR, School of Policy Studies, Queen’s University
Citation
Publisher
Queen's University Institute of Intergovernmental Relations