Canada’s Federal System

Federal System A federal state has two levels of government – a federal or national government and a second order of government made up of local units such as provinces or territories Both levels of government are recognized in a country’s constitution Both levels have their respective roles and responsibilities There is often conflict between the levels of government Cooperation between the two levels of government is called cooperative federalism

Canada’s Federal-Provincial/Territorial Relations Under Canada’s constitution, powers are divided among the federal, provincial, and territorial governments The provinces and territories also control their own municipal or local governments John A. Macdonald advocated for a strong central government but Wilfred Laurier worked to reverse Macdonald’s centrist policies Outside influences like the world wars and the great depression helped ensure the strength of the central government

Quebec has always been opposed to cooperative federalism In 1965 when the Canadian Pension Plan was created Quebec opted out and created their own plan Pierre Trudeau was strongly committed to federalism and provincial equality Pierre Trudeau advocated for provincial equality and in doing so he supported constitutional reforms that became the Constitution Act, 1982. Quebec refused to sign­­ the constitution, yet, the Supreme Court argued that Quebec could not veto constitutional change (therefore they are bound to it) Mulroney’s Conservatives appealed to the provinces and restored Quebec’s claim as a “distinct society”

Federal Provincial/Territorial Municipal “Peace, order, and good of government” education public transit national defense health services waste collection and disposal foreign diplomacy some natural resources water and sewers international trade environmental issues snow removal aboriginal affairs solemnization of marriage fire protection services postal service licences zoning land banking system highways local police services marriage and divorce provincial court systems, police, and prisons property taxes, some licence fees criminal law