Regionalism and Its Effect on the Canadian State
Since the beginning of Canadian history, regionalism has had a prominent effect on the country`s political system. The concept of regionalism can be defined as a political ideology grounded on a shared sense of place or attachment and is discussed in terms of Canadian society, culture, economy and politics.1 From the days of confederation, Canada has developed into regional cleavages and identities based on various geographical characteristics, traditional lifestyles and economic interests. Two of Canada`s greatest regionally distinct political cultures are known as Western alienation and Quebec nationalism.2 Historically, the lack of regional awareness and accommodation within Canada’s central government has given rise to a great deal of regional discontent. Much of this discontent comes from the uneven distribution of economic activity amongst Canada`s provinces. Also, federal policies made in favour of central Canada, Ontario and Quebec, are consequently placing the West, the East and the North at an even greater disadvantage. Thus, in this paper I am going to argue that regionalism is weakening the Canadian state and at its worst, is pulling the country apart.
Due to major differences in geography, population and ethnicity, the federal government’s response to Canadian demands differs from region to region. Quebec nationalism is a great example of a distinct regional culture setting back Canadian unity. The historical English vs. French cleavage has been a significant and very influential feature within Canadian politics. Ever since the division of Lower and Upper Canada took place in 1791, French Canadians have been concerned with finding their own independence.2 This became a principal political issue as English Canadians saw this as a threat to the country’s national identity and togetherness. Several constitutional reforms have been made in response to Quebec separatism such as the Notwithstanding Clause, allowing the province to maintain its
Due to major differences in geography, population and ethnicity, the federal government’s response to Canadian demands differs from region to region. Quebec nationalism is a great example of a distinct regional culture setting back Canadian unity. The historical English vs. French cleavage has been a significant and very influential feature within Canadian politics. Ever since the division of Lower and Upper Canada took place in 1791, French Canadians have been concerned with finding their own independence.2 This became a principal political issue as English Canadians saw this as a threat to the country’s national identity and togetherness. Several constitutional reforms have been made in response to Quebec separatism such as the Notwithstanding Clause, allowing the province to maintain its
References: 1. Stephen, Brooks. Canadian Democracy: An Introduction, fifth edition. Canada: Oxford University Press, 2007. 2. Henderson, Ailsa 3. Kerstetter, Steven. Rags and Riches. Wealth Inequality in Canada. Ottawa: Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, 2002. 4. Stilborn, Jack 5. D’Aquino, Thomas, G. Bruce Doern, and Cassandra Blair. Parliamentary Democracy in Canada: Issues for Reform. Methuen: Business Council on National Issues, 1983. 6. Canada West Foundation. Regional Representation: The Canadian Partnership. Calgary: The Canada West Foundation, 1981 7. Milner, Henry 8. Dyck, Rand. Canadian Politics, fourth edition. Nelson Education, 2008. 9. Savoie, J, Donald. All things Canadian are now regional. Journal of Canadian Studies, 2000. 10. Lewis, J.P. Canadian Government and Politics. Lecture, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Mar. 18, 2010. 11. Fox, Graham. Rethinking Political Parties. Public Policy Forum, 2006.