Canada: The State of the Federation, 1999-2000

This collection of essays examines key issues in Canadian fiscal federalism, highlighting tensions between centralization and decentralization. Canada: The State of the Federation, 1999-2000 offers valuable insights.

In Canada: The State of the Federation, 1999-2000, a collection of essays explores the complexities of Canadian fiscal federalism amidst the ongoing debates over centralization and decentralization. The authors delve into the theoretical underpinnings of fiscal federalism while addressing pressing issues within the federation. Key questions arise regarding the balance of power and resources between federal and provincial governments, particularly whether Ottawa's revenue collection exceeds its spending responsibilities, leaving provinces underfunded.

The book also examines the implications of federal-provincial financial struggles on various levels of governance, including local governments, emerging aboriginal entities, and the citizenry. Notably, actions taken by the federal government in 1999 indicate a continued interest in social outcomes, albeit through direct financial transfers to citizens rather than through provincial channels. This shift raises questions about the future of public policy in Canada, suggesting that the approach to the millennium could represent a pivotal moment in the evolution of fiscal relationships within the country.

Contributors to this insightful volume include prominent scholars from various institutions, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of the major threads in Canadian fiscal federalism. Canada: The State of the Federation, 1999-2000 serves as a critical resource for understanding the dynamic interplay between federal and provincial powers and the ongoing discourse surrounding the balance of governance in Canada.