Survivance Versus Ambivalence: The Federal Dilemma in Canada
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Authors
Hamish Telford
Date
2005
Type
working paper
Language
en
Keyword
Alternative Title
Abstract
The two solitudes in Canadian society have long disagreed on a number of fundamental questions. It thus should not be surprising that Quebecers and Canadians-outside-Quebec have very different perceptions about the purpose and significance of federalism. In this brief historical review, I shall argue that Canadians-outsideQuebec have had ambivalent feelings about federalism in general, and antipathetic sentiments about classical federalism in particular. English-Canadians have tended to view federalism as a hindrance to national unity, and have thus reluctantly accepted the federal form of government, and only then on the understanding that the federal government would be superior to the provincial governments. Quebecers long promoted classical federalism as the best means to ensure cultural survival in a largely English-speaking country, but their faith in the federal form of government has been seriously undermined by the ambivalence towards federalism in the rest of Canada. Quebecers, historically at least, have always wanted more federalism while EnglishCanadians have generally wanted less federalism. Asymmetrical federalism has emerged as the two solitudes have pushed federalism in opposite directions. It is not clear though if asymmetrical federalism serves either solitude well.
Description
© IIGR, School of Policy Studies, Queen’s University
Citation
Publisher
Queen's University Institute of Intergovernmental Relations