Canadian Politics

A07(b) - Roundtable: Canada's Expanding Intergovernmental Processes

Date: May 30 | Time: 03:15pm to 04:45pm | Location: Classroom - CL 434 Room ID: 15710

Chair/Président/Présidente : Leslie Seidle (Institute for Research on Public Policy)

Discussant/Commentateur/Commentatrice : Grace Skogstad (University of Toronto)

Canada’s Expanding Intergovernmental Processes:

Jorg Broschek (Wilfrid Laurier University)
Patricia Goff (Wilfrid Laurier University)
Jared Wesley (University of Alberta)
Jerald Sabin (Western University)

Abstract: Intergovernmental processes lie at the heart of Canadian federalism. They are particularly important in areas of shared constitutional jurisdiction (e.g. agriculture, pensions) and in those with a high degree of policy interdependence between the federal and provincial/territorial governments (e.g. environment). The varied processes perform functions ranging from negotiating agreements prior to legislation to information sharing about program implementation. These essential processes continue to evolve. For example, on international trade, provincial governments are no longer simply debriefed by their federal counterparts but have actually been present during negotiations (as with the European Union). Further innovations reflect the increased salience of Indigenous issues and the reconciliation agenda. Some of these processes are multilateral -- e.g. Council of the Federation sessions with leaders of national Indigenous organizations; others are bilateral -- e.g. councils and other bodies composed of representatives of provincial/territorial governments and Indigenous governments/communities. Changes such as these mean that the contours and practice of executive federalism are shifting. This roundtable will showcase recent research in this area: Jörg Broschek and Patrica Goff: Provinces, Territories and the Multilevel Politics of Trade; Jared Wesley: National Indigenous Organizations and Provincial/Territorial Governments since 1960; Jerald Sabin: Devolution and Indigenous Government in the Northwest Territories In order to draw lessons from the cases covered, each presenter will be asked to conclude by addressing the following questions: What are the strengths and weaknesses of the innovations? Have they been institutionalized? Are they applicable to other policy sectors or jurisdictions?