Contemporary Canadian Federalism

Is Canadian federalism working? This course explores how the rules and norms of Canadian federalism play out in practice. In the first part of the course, we examine theoretical underpinnings in the study of federalism in Canada and globally, such as classical federalism, co-operative federalism, and open federalism. Then, we will survey intergovernmental policy processes and ask whether federalism is working for people in Canada, including marginalized groups. Topics include the distribution of power, constitutionalism, judicial review and the notwithstanding clause, fiscal federalism, the social union, Indigenous governance, treaty federalism, and separatism in Quebec and the West.