Canada: The State of the Federation 1985

Lovell Clark was Professor of History at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg.

This collection of essays replaces an annual review formerly issued by the Institute. Professor Leslie, of Queen’s, gives a splendid overview of the national scene, focusing on six pertinent topics, which include policies for economic development, Federal transfer payments, and economic relations with the United States. Professor Boismenu of l’Université de Montréal discusses the response of Quebec politicians to the “staggering blow” of the “Canada Bill” (i.e., the Constitution Act of 1982) and insists that Quebec’s “right to self determination” must not be compromised by “political opportunism” Professor Pollard of Queen’s has two essays, one on Newfoundland’s efforts to overcome her economic dependency, the other a masterly review of minority language rights in New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, and Manitoba. Professor Gibbins of the University of Calgary has an interesting review of Alberta’s recent past, which concludes that there will now be more debate on provincial issues and a “more cooperative and tranquil relationship with the national government,” coupled with continued wariness about eastern domination. Professor Savoie of l’Université de Moncton threads his way through the myriad efforts of the past 20 years to promote regional development, while Professor Hawkes of Queen’s does the same for the interminable negotiations on Native rights. Professor Whyte, also of Queen’s, tackles in most lucid fashion the complicated Federal-provincial conflicts arising out of the administration of justice.

These are all very good essays; Leslie’s overview and Pollard’s on language rights are outstanding. Useful tables accompany many of the essays. Whether or not the “new era of Mulroney” will bring the harmony that some of the authors anticipate, it is clear that important conflicts in Federal-provincial relations have still to be faced. They will not be solved by mere conciliation; they should not be solved by “giving away the stone.”