Pearson-Shoyama Institute
Place du Canada

National Unity & The Role of Provincial Governments

I have followed the progression of this interminable debate on national unity for the past twenty five years - since I was old enough to form a political opinion. I used to believe all it would take to keep the country together was exposure to each other's beliefs, culture and way of life.

However, after twenty five years it seems regional interests and demands generally prevail over the national interest. That is why the provinces are always asking for more powers, financial points and seeking to limit the role of the federal government in daily affairs. Never mind the federal government is the one sending the child benefit cheque, the Canada Pension Plan cheque, or one of the myriad other ways we benefit from having a central government. The provincial governments are convinced that being one level of bureaucracy closer to the "people" is a panacea for all ills and that the only thing to do is decentralize to the point where the Federal government becomes irrelevant.

A grass roots movement is needed to get our provincial governments back in line. It is critical at this time that we not succumb to the politics of regionalism as has happened too frequently in the past. We all remember the mess left behind by Meech and Charlottetown. The raised expectations and dashed hopes, the deals made behind closed doors as the country could only watch attentively on the daily news. Canadians need to participate directly in the process of nation building instead of being relegated to the sidelines only to be called in when the other players have had enough.

We need a sea change in the political philosophy of this country which has emphasised ideology over national for far too long. Everyone of our current politicians has a political axe to grind, a history of failures past and a woeful lack of ideas for the future.

Distinct society didn't fly. It is my belief it didn't work because too many people were uncertain of the implications. Something has to be done. What do you think?