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Newfoundland & Labrador and Canadian Federalism

Jay Makarenko

Newfoundland & Labrador only joined the Canadian federation in 1949, and its relationship with the rest of the country is still unfolding. As with other provinces in Atlantic Canada, today Newfoundland & Labrador faces pressing issues, such as chronic economic underdevelopment and massive provincial debt. These problems threaten its future, and underlie the tensions that exist in its relationship with the federal government on key issues such as regional economic development and the sharing of offshore oil revenues. This being said, residents of the province continue to support the Canadian federation, albeit with the hope that greater sensitivity and consultation will take place to ensure the province’s concerns are taken into the fullest consideration.

The following examines Canadian federalism from the perspective of Newfoundland & Labrador (note, the Province officially changed its name from “Newfoundland” to “Newfoundland & Labrador” in 2001). Specific topics include

History of Newfoundland & Labrador

Aboriginal History, Colonization and Confederation

Regional Economic Disparity and Newfoundland & Labrador

Economic Underdevelopment as a Major Issue of Federalism

Financial Crisis Facing Newfoundland & Labrador

The Problem of Newfoundland and Laradors's Provincial Deficits and Debt

Federal Regional Development Grievances

Newfoundland & Labrador Criticisms of Federal Policy in Regional Development

Canada-Newfoundland Conflict Over Offshore Oil

The Discovery of Oil Brings New Federal-Provincial Tensions

New Partnership: Sensitive, Consultative Federalism

“Yes” to Canadian Federalism, “No” to Status Quo

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