Supreme Court of Canada: Role, History, and Operation
The modern Supreme Court of Canada plays a pivotal role in Canadian politics. As the highest court in the country, the decisions of the Supreme Court touch on a wide range of issues: criminal law, civil law, federalism, and individual rights and freedoms. Read More »
Alberta’s Oil Sands: Key Issues and Impacts
Northern Alberta’s oil sands are increasingly becoming a source of political conflict, both domestically and globally, as scrutiny of the world’s second-largest known oil reserve intensifies. Read More »
The Canada-US Softwood Lumber Dispute
The Canada-US softwood lumber dispute has been one of the longest and most significant trade disputes between the two countries in modern history. Central to the dispute is not only competition between Canadian and US softwood lumber companies, but also conflict over basic forestry management styles. Read More »
The Indian Act: Historical Overview
The Indian Act is federal legislation that provides the basic legal status and entitlements of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples. The Act deals with such things as the legal definition of who may claim Indian status in Canada, the rights and duties which accompany that status, the structure of Canada’s reserve system and the nature of Aboriginal self-government. Read More »
Auto Insurance in Canada: Overview and Issues
Auto insurance is a central issue in provincial and territorial politics, and a highly complex area of public policy. In Canada, the industry reflects a collection of provincial and territorial systems, each differing significantly in how auto insurance is delivered and regulated. Read More »
Equalization Program in Canada: Overview and Contemporary Issues
The Equalization Program is an important component of Canadian federalism and the notion of equality between provinces regarding the social services they provide. Moreover, the principle of equalization has been a major source of debate in Canadian politics, between the federal and provincial levels of government, as well as between provinces. Read More »
Auditor General of Canada: Role and Organization
The Office of the Auditor General holds the federal government accountable for its use of public funds. However, the public is often unaware of the Auditor General’s official function and organization. This article introduces the Office of the Auditor General, including its role, legislative framework, history, basic organization and activities, as well as mechanisms of oversight. Read More »
Federalism and the Atlantic Provinces: Contemporary Issues and Debates
Traditionally, Atlantic Canada has proven to be a strong ally of both Canadian federalism and of federal government involvement in its economic, social, and financial life. Nevertheless, the relations between the federal government and the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island have been strained at times. Read More »
