Accords and Discord: The Politics of Asymmetrical Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations
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Authors
Brock, Kathy L.
Date
2005
Type
working paper
Language
en
Keyword
Alternative Title
Abstract
Asymmetrical federalism is a simple concept but sometimes rendered unnecessarily complex. In its most basic form, it may be understood as differences among the states or provinces within a federal system. These differences may arise from geography, history, demographics, economic and fiscal realities, population characteristics, culture or other key characteristics specific to particular units. A certain degree of asymmetry in policy is natural
in any federation despite national goals or objectives since implementation and
interpretation will depend on these differences. However, in its most recent (and reincarnated) usage, asymmetrical federalism is a convenient label for the different treatment of constituent units within a federation. In its silliest and most complex forms, asymmetrical federalism is qualified as symmetrical asymmetry in the federation and contrasted with asymmetrical symmetry. The former refers to the same opportunity for special treatment being available for each unit while the latter means different treatment accorded to essentially similar units. Although these terms have been bantered about, they are too cute and confusing to advance the debate and will not be used here. Instead, asymmetrical federalism will be used to discuss the different treatment of particular provinces within the Canadian federation to offset their disabling differences or to enhance their natural assets.
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© IIGR, Queen's University
Citation
Publisher
Queen's University Institute of Intergovernmental Relations