Public Opinion On Asymmetrical Federalism: Growing Openness Or Continuing Ambiguity?
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Authors
Seidle, F. Leslie
Bishop, Gina
Date
2005
Type
working paper
Language
en
Keyword
Asymmetric Federalism Series 2005
Alternative Title
Abstract
In politics, words can be used for good or ill; they can help clarify complex public policy issues or baffle even well-informed citizens. At different times and in different contexts, the expression ‘asymmetrical federalism’ has probably performed all of these functions and others. Some have used it to describe what they see as a strength of Canadian federalism, namely that provinces are not identical in their history, circumstances and public policies. Others have used the term to express their opposition to the ‘special treatment’ they believe one province, namely Quebec, seeks – or already receives - within the federation. Still others claim that even modest asymmetry, such as variation in intergovernmental agreements (as opposed to the letter of the Constitution), violates the principle of the equality of the provinces.
Description
© IIGR, School of Policy Studies, Queen’s University
Citation
Publisher
Queen's University Institute of Intergovernmental Relations