A Federal System that Fits
CO-OPERATIVE FEDERALISM

Several problems

Federalism, as practised by Jean Chrétien's Liberal government, has been arrogant and aggrandising. The Millennium Scholarships are one example, the Clarity Bill is another. These acts caused resentment, especially in Quebec.

On the other hand, many people, especially in predominantly English-speaking provinces want a federal government that plays a bigger role in health, education and social policy, especially if we want greater equality and equity for Canadians wherever they live. This need is often accentuated because of right-wing government in some provinces, and their deliberate undermining of social programs and progressive policies.

One size does not fit all. Faced with different challenges and different tendencies, we must find ways to allow the best possible federal equilibrium.

Some solutions

During our first mandate, we would put an end to the federal-provincial wars by clearly announcing the principle of cooperative federalism, based on the following principles:

• Respect for provincial jurisdictions
• Recognition of the federal spending power within provincial and shared jurisdiction.
• Provincial approval of new federal government programs and standards operating within provincial and shared jurisdictions.
• the right to withdraw from such programs with fiscal compensation, essential for Quebec but limited for other provinces.

Specifically, these principles must be established during

discussions about the renegotiation of the Canadian Social Union. Agreement on a renewed Social Union can be a key tool for establishing the principles described above. Unanimous agreement by all the provinces would be an essential condition for re-establishing this agreement.

In the Canadian context, co-operative federalism must explicitly recognize the particular circumstances of Quebec. Asymmetric federalism, in Canada's circumstances, is the necessary condition for co-operative federalism.