DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

Lions or Jellyfish

Newfoundland-Ottawa Relations since 1957

Raymond B Blake author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:University of Toronto Press

Published:21st Jul '15

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

This paperback is available in another edition too:

Lions or Jellyfish cover

"Lions or Jellyfish is an interesting, well-researched, and thorough study of executive federalism and the relations between political leaders in Ottawa and St. John's since 1957. This is one of the best books I have read in Newfoundland history in many years." -- David MacKenzie, Department of History, Ryerson University "Well-written and engaging, Lions or Jellyfish makes a significant contribution both to Atlantic Canadian history and to the study of intergovernmental relations in Canada." -- Corey Slumkoski, Department of History, Mount Saint Vincent University

Written by a noted expert on Newfoundland politics and intergovernmental affairs in Canada, this book studies a vital but frequently overlooked aspect of modern Canadian federalism.

Asked in 2010 about his pugnacious approach to federal-provincial relations, Newfoundland premier Danny Williams declared “I would rather live one more day as a lion than ten years a jellyfish.” He was only the latest in a long line of Newfoundland premiers who have fought for that province’s interests on the national stage. From Joey Smallwood and the conflict over Term 29 of the Act of Union to Williams and his much-publicized clashes with Paul Martin and Stephen Harper, Newfoundland and Labrador’s politicians have often expressed a determination to move beyond a legacy of colonialism and assert greater control over the province’s own affairs.

Lions or Jellyfish? examines the history of these federal-provincial clashes with both clarity and wit. Written by a noted expert on Newfoundland politics and intergovernmental affairs in Canada, this book studies a vital but frequently overlooked aspect of modern Canadian federalism.

‘Lions and Jellyfish, a trenchant, gripping, and revealing study… Raymond Blake’s book is one that should be read by all who wish to understand eight of the most important events in the history of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.’

-- Robert Edwards * Newfoundland and Labrador Quarterly vol 108:04:2016 *

Lions or Jellyfish is a polished investigation of the often-strained relationship between Ottawa and Newfoundland and Labrador…. Raymond Blake brings sophisticated analysis and a well- constructed narrative.’

* Canadian Historical Society Bulletin vol 42:02:20

  • Winner of Clio Prize - Atlantic Region awarded by the Canadian Historical Association 2016 (Canada)
  • Winner of CSN-RÉC Book Prize awarded by The Canadian Studies Network – Réseau d'études canadiennes 2016 (Canada)
  • Short-listed for U of Regina Arts and Luther College Award for Scholarly Writing awarded by Saskatchewan Book Awards 2016 (Canada)
  • Short-listed for University of Saskatchewan Non-Fiction Award awarded by Saskatchewan Book Awards 2016 (Canada)

ISBN: 9781442628304

Dimensions: 229mm x 154mm x 28mm

Weight: 660g

448 pages