The Oxford Handbook of Canadian Politics

Front Cover
John Courtney, John Childs Courtney, David Smith
OUP USA, Apr 29, 2010 - Political Science - 558 pages
Canada officially achieved legislative autonomy in 1931 and has since developed into one of the world's most prosperous democracies. Though its political system is widely commended for its stability and fairness, it is nonetheless extremely complex. Particularly within the past five decades, Canada has undergone a vast social and political revolution, as exhibited by events such as the Quiet Revolution in Quebec, the ratification of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Medical Care Act of 1966 and the official adoption of bilingualism and multiculturalism. As the world moves towards globalization, technology has likewise facilitated communication between previously isolated provinces and territories within Canada. Such developments hold significant implications for the role of Canadian politics, both domestically and internationally. The Oxford Handbook of Canadian Politics provides a comprehensive overview of the transformation that has occurred in Canadian politics since the country acheived autonomy, examining the institutions and processes of Canadian government and politics at the local, provincial and federal levels. It analyzes all aspects of the Canadian political system: the courts, elections, political parties, Parliament, the constitution, fiscal and political federalism, the diffusion of policies between regions, and various aspects of public policy. The Handbook examines recent trends such as the movement towards minority Parliaments and extrapolates potential developments. This handbook represents the work of a distinguished array of contributors, including some of the world's most prominent scholars of political science. This volume renders an objective, authoritative portrait of the Canadian political system: it is indispensable to anyone interested in the topic.
 

Contents

Transformation of an Unnatural Country
3
THE CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER
19
CANADIAN FEDERALISM
73
GOVERNING INSTITUTIONS
151
POLITICAL PROCESSES
189
CANADIAN SOCIETY
299
CANADA IN THE WORLD
359
MAJOR ISSUES OF THE TWENTYFIRST CENTURY
415
Index
529
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About the author (2010)

John Courtney is Professor of Political Science at the University of Saskatchewan; David Smith is Professor of Political Science at the University of Regina. Both are past presidents of the Canadian Political Science Association. John Courtney is Professor of Political Science at the University of Saskatchewan. David Smith is Professor of Political Science at the University of Regina. Both are past presidents of the Canadian Political Science Association.