The National Conversation
*This program is currently undergoing a strategic review. Changes to the program will be announced in November 2011*
This is a program that has been approved for the period 2010-2013.
Researching and authoring reports on past, present and potential public policy relating to Canada
Multi-level governance and intergovernmental relations in Canadian federalism
- Multi-level governance and the evolution of the division of powers between national and provincial legislatures following the Westminster model of parliamentary democracy.
- Intergovernmental relations between the federal, provincial and local levels of government, and the role of each level in Canadian federalism.
- Canadian federalism, the equalization program and transfer programs, etc.
Strength in diversity: multinational diversity and Canadian federalism
- Evolution of Canadian society, from “bi-national” (pre-Confederation) to today’s modern, cosmopolitan, diverse multi-national federation
- Canada’s Linguistic Duality and Cultural Diversity: History and its impact on the the operation of federal institutions
- The accomodation of this diversity and the peaceful cohabitation of multiple linguistic, cultural, national and religious communities in Canada
Peace, Order and Good Government as the Cornerstones of the Canadian state: Westminster, Federalism, Constitutional Monarchy, and the Rule of Law
- The British tradition of constitutional monarchy resulting in the sharing of governing responsibilities between the legislative, executive and judicial branches at the federal level
- The British tradition of the bicarmeral Westminster system of parliamentary democracy, responsible government, individual ministerial responsibility and Cabinet collective responsibility
- The association between responsible government and the monarchy creating a “dual executive” role. The Head of State is the Queen represented by the Governor General at the federal level and Lieutenant Governors at the provincial levels; and the Head of Government is the Prime Minister.
- The Monarchy in Canada, the Office, History and Role of the Governor General of Canada
The Roles, Functions and Representatives of Canada’s Governing Institutions
- Federal Government in Canada: Organization, Institutions & Issues
- Parliament and the legislative process: Overview and Organization; central political, financial and adminstrative Practices and processes; key issues and debates
- The House of Commons: The role, powers, operations and possible reforms of the House of Commons
- The Senate: Role, Powers, Operation and Senate Reform
- Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition: Role, Structure, and Powers in the Canadian House of Commons and Senate
Canada’s Constitution, Judicial System & Legal Issues
- Uniqueness of the Bijural character of the Canadian legal system draws from English common law, French civil law and the 1215 Magna Carta. (Bijuralism is a reflection of Louisiana’s and Quebec’s common history as French colonies).
- Canada’s Constitution: 150 years of History and development
- Canadian federalism and the 1867 and 1982 Constitution
- Constitutional debates: Meech Lake and Charlottetown Accord
- Constitutional conventions and recent changes
- Supreme Court of Canada: Role, History, Operation and Appointment Process
- Charter of Rights and Freedoms particularly sections 3, 25, and 33, charter rights, etc.
- First Nations and Aboriginals in Canada: Aboriginal Rights and self-government; 150 years of Indian policy: Indian Act (1876), The White Paper (1969), Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (1996), etc.
Human Rights in Canada
- Canada’s Federal Human Rights Legislation
- The Canadian Human Rights Commission and Tribunal
- Canadian federalism and human rights
Canada’s Economy
- Canadian economic union: Federalism and Interprovincial trade and the Canadian constitution
- Canada’ monetary policy, the Bank of Canada and other economic and financial institutions, etc.
Research will be conducted in support of this program, both historical and policy research.
