Federalism
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 »
Cartoon: Flaherty's Comments on Ontario Create a Problem for PM Harper
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 »
Canadian Federalism and Public Health Care: The Evolution of Federal-Provincial Relations
One of the most critical issues in Canadian federalism since the 1950s has been the delivery of public health care. This article provides an introduction to the nature and evolution of federal and provincial relations in the area of health care policy, with particular focus on the fiscal and policy aspects and their impact. Read More »
Federalism in Canada: Basic Framework and Operation
Central to the organization of government in Canada is the principle of federalism. Under this principle, Canada is divided into two constitutionally autonomous levels of government: the federal or central government, and the provincial governments. The nation’s basic division of government plays an important role in public finances and public policy. Read More »
Fiscal Imbalance Debate: Origins and Perspectives
Federal-provincial relations in Canada have been dominated in recent years by debate over the “fiscal imbalance,” defined as the apparent shortfall of provincial government revenues compared to the federal government’s surpluses, relative to the spending requirements of each level of government under the Constitution. This article gives an overview of debate on the fisca Read More »
The Canadian Constitution: Introduction to Canada’s Constitutional Framework
The Constitution is Canada’s premier political institution, representing the basic “rulebook” by which Canadian politics operate. Read More »
The Canada Health Act: Provisions & Administration
The Canada Health Act is a central element of the nation’s health care policy and federal-provincial/territorial relations. This article provides an introduction to the Act, with a focus on its purpose and key provisions, as well as its administrative bodies and processes. Read More »
Supreme Court of Canada Appointment Process
The Supreme Court of Canada is this country’s highest court, and is the final authority for all legal disputes, settling matters between individuals, o Read More »
