Lions or Jellyfish

"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.