Provincial Leadership and Intergovernmental Collaboration in the Canadian Federation

• Main Author: Bareman, Julia
• Other Authors: James, Matt
• Language: English; en
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: Federalism; Harper; Council of the Federation; New West Partnership
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1828/5998

Traditional understanding of the Canadian federation includes a belief that leadership from the federal government is necessary for effective intergovernmental relations and collective policy. The ability of the federal government to set a national vision has waned in the years since the constitutional negotiations. In its place has been a rise in interprovincial collaboration and leadership. A 30 year review of policy regarding the economic union and internal trade reveals that provincial asymmetry and incremental bilateral or regional action has shown an ability to contribute to a renewed pan-Canadian consensus. From this we can see how the system of interprovincial relations that has developed can serve to advance innovative policy and critical intergovernmental collaboration needed in the Canadian federation. === Graduate