Annual State of the Federation Conference

October 21, 2010

During most of the 20th Century, Ontario was unique among Canadian regions in its lack of a strong regional identity, moderating and complicating conflicts over the role of the federal government. Ontarians’ stronger support for the federal government during this period was a defining characteristic of many of Canada’s political and constitutional debates. It is possible that this feature of Canadian political life is evolving.

To what extent is current public policy capable of addressing these realities? What changes are required to ensure that Canada is positioned to retain and build upon its competitive advantage in the global economy while ensuring the adequacy of programs that its citizens rely upon? To what extent does the policy architecture of the 20th Century, including regional redistribution, need to be modified to reflect recent economic and demographic shifts within the federation? What are the signs and implications of the evolving attitudes to the federation among Ontarians and other Canadians?

The Institute of Intergovernmental Relations at Queen’s University partners with the Mowat Centre at the School of Public Policy & Governance at the University of Toronto to host the annual State of the Federation Conference, which will respond to these and other questions and assess the implications for Canada and federalism.

Visit the website at stateofthefederation.ca. Click here for full schedule of events.