Some Personal Reflections on the Council of the Federation
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Authors
Rae, Bob
Date
2003
Type
working paper
Language
en
Keyword
Special Series on the Council of the Federation 2003
Alternative Title
Abstract
Canada's constitution, like that of every federation, has its strengths and weaknesses. Looking back now at the debates before 1867, the issue of intergovernmental relations received short shrift. Macdonald, who could be described as a "reluctant federalist" at best, insisted on an appointed Senate as a way to ensure federal primacy. The civil war in the United States, which had so dramatically traumatized the federation to the south, created a vital context for the Canadian discussion. From the power of disallowance to the strong "peace, order and good government" clause, to the federal control of the Senate, there was no question as to how the balance was to be tipped: the Canadian federation was to have a strong, even a predominant, centre. The provinces powers were to be seen as local in nature.
Description
© IIGR, Queen’s University; IRPP, Montreal.
Citation
Publisher
Queen's University Institute of Intergovernmental Relations