POL316Y1Y L5101
Contemporary Canadian Federalism
Themes
This course examines current issues in Canadian federalism within a historical and comparative perspective. It is divided into two major sections, each of which is covered in a semester. In the first semester we will treat some important theoretical and institutional issues in the study of Canadian federalism. These include the definition and origin of the concept of federalism, major theoretical approaches to federalism, and recurrent themes such as past and current constitutional conflicts, issues of judicial review of federalism and the Charter, conflicts in executive federalism and Quebec-Canada relations. In the second semester we will survey intergovernmental policy processes and substantive policy issues in a number of economic, social and cultural policy areas of Canadian federalism, such as national economic development, international economic relations and economic globalization, fiscal federalism, health care, post-secondary education, child care, the environment, and aboriginal reforms.
Texts
TBA
Format and Requirements
Lectures and tutorials. Two essays, one term test, tutorial participation and a final examination.
Prerequisites
POL214Y1 or POL214Y5 or POLB50Y3 or POL224Y1