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Political Science General

The Moral Foundations of Canadian Federalism

Paradoxes, Achievements, and Tragedies of Nationhood

by (author) Samuel V. Laselva

Publisher
McGill-Queen's University Press
Initial publish date
Mar 1996
Category
General, General
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780773514225
    Publish Date
    Mar 1996
    List Price
    $37.95
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9780773514058
    Publish Date
    Mar 1996
    List Price
    $110.00

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Description

LaSelva argues that Canadian federalism is founded on a vision of a nation in which multiple identities and multiple loyalties can flourish within a framework of common political nationality. He contends that this dualistic belief affects not only our understanding of Canadian identity but also a host of fundamental concepts, including fraternity, justice, democracy, and federalism itself. LaSelva offers a compelling reconsideration of Confederation and of the pivotal role of George Étienne-Cartier, one of the fathers of Confederation, in both the achievement of confederation and the creation of a distinctively Canadian federalist theory. Given the current debates about Quebec sovereignty and Native self-government, the future of the Canadian federation is uncertain. The Moral Foundations of Canadian Federalism provides a timely and novel perspective in support of Canadian federalism.

About the author

Samuel V. LaSelva is professor of political science at the University of British Columbia.

Samuel V. Laselva's profile page

Editorial Reviews

"An extremely interesting and first-rate piece of work that makes a very useful contribution to the current debates about nationalism and federalism and the Canadian political community. LaSelva has a sharp, inquisitive intelligence to bring to bear on questions that have rarely been addressed in depth." Reg Whitaker, Department of Political Science, York University.