Regional resource disparities and the tensions they generate are a perennial Canadian topic. This edition of Canada: The State of the Federation presents essays on regions, resources, and the resiliency of the Canadian federal system. Contributors consider questions such as: to what extent do Canada’s natural resource industries benefit the Canadian economy? Do Canada’s federal institutions hinder or promote the ability of the economy to respond to global economic shifts? Do current intergovernmental structures allow for constructive dialogue about national policy issues?

In responding to these and related questions, many of the authors touch on energy issues. Others consider the importance of functional institutions in a federal or multilevel context as an essential requirement for the effective resolution of issues. Together, the volume raises questions about the relationship of state and society, the importance of identity, trust, and moral legitimacy for the operation of our federal institutions, and the extent to which federal institutions are reinforced or placed under stress by societal structures.

The theme of this volume was triggered by Richard Simeon, the outstanding scholar of federalism who passed away in October 2013, and it is dedicated in his honour.

Loleen Berdahl is the Director of Research at the Canada West Foundation. Dr. Berdahl's particular research interests include urban policy, regionalism and federalism.  In 2001 and 2003, Dr. Berdahl directed the Looking West surveys, western Canada's largest-ever public opinion survey. Dr. Berdahl has co-authored two books, Mindscapes: Political Ideologies Toward the Twenty-First Century (1996, with Roger Gibbins), and Explorations: A Navigator's Guide to Quantitative Research in Political Science (1998, with Keith Archer and Roger Gibbins).

Loleen Berdahl's profile page

André Juneau is a fellow and former director of the Institute of Intergovernmental Relations at Queen’s University.

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Carolyn Tuohy is a professor emeritus of political science and founding fellow in the School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Toronto.

Carolyn Tuohy's profile page