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.

Raymond B. Blake is Professor of History at the University of Regina and formerly Director of the Saskatchewan Institute of Public Policy. His books include Trajectories of Rural Life: New Perspectives on Rural Canada, co-edited with Andrew Nurse (2003), and Canadians at Last: Canada Integrates Newfoundland as a Province (1994 and 2004).

Raymond B. Blake's profile page

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

‘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 42:02:2016

‘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.’

Newfoundland and Labrador Quarterly vol 108:04:2016