Western Asymmetry
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Authors
Gibbons, Roger
Date
2005
Type
working paper
Language
en
Keyword
Asymmetric Federalism Series 2005
Alternative Title
Abstract
Surely Canada is the only country in the world where leaders would trumpet an awkward mouthful like “asymmetrical federalism” as a bold new constitutional principle. Yet this happened in the fall of 2004 when the first ministers signed off on a health care accord acknowledging that Quebec need not account for the infusion of additional federal funding in the same way expected for other provinces. Since then, the term has taken off within the select audience of policy wonks and provincial politicians. One could also argue that it has worked its way into the policy architecture of the national government as Ottawa continues to negotiate a series of one-off, bilateral amendments to the equalization formula.
The intent of this brief essay is to sketch in how asymmetrical federalism might play out in western Canada. The analysis is necessarily speculative as the concept is still taking root even among political circles. As for the general public, it is safe to assume that few Calgarians muse about the pros and cons of asymmetry as they gather at neighbourhood pubs. However, it must also be stressed that the potential public reaction is an important factor to keep in mind.
Description
© IIGR, School of Policy Studies, Queen’s University
Citation
Publisher
Queen's University Institute of Intergovernmental Relations