MINISTER DION IDENTIFIES COMMON PRINCIPLES
TO GUIDE INTERGOVERNMENTAL
RELATIONS WITHIN FEDERATIONS
MONT-TREMBLANT, QUEBEC, October 6, 1999
– Speaking today during a session on intergovernmental relations at the
International Conference on Federalism being held in Mont-Tremblant, the
Honourable Stéphane Dion, President of the Privy Council and Minister of
Intergovernmental Affairs, asserted that despite contextual differences, there
are common principles that can help federations achieve efficient
intergovernmental relations.
The Minister discussed the great diversity that
exists among federations around the world. He pointed to great variations in
size, population and economic prosperity and also compared intergovernmental
relations within parliamentary and presidential systems, noting that the former
produces interactions between strong executives. Mr. Dion demonstrated that,
compared to other federations, Canada is very decentralized. In addition, he
stated that intergovernmental relations within Canada take place between
executive branches that are clearly distinct as provinces do not choose members
for the upper chamber of the Canadian Parliament.
Mr. Dion asserted that over the years, the role
that governments play in the lives of citizens has increased, making federations
more and more similar. "Everywhere, both the federal government and the
governments of the constituent entities have seen their responsibilities grow,
and as a result, their areas of jurisdiction increasingly touch," stated
the Minister. Consequently, governments have had to learn to work more closely
together.
Mr. Dion outlined seven principles that are
common to all federations and which form a foundation for productive
intergovernmental relations. These principles include respect for the
Constitution, active cooperation, the preservation of autonomous action,
flexibility, fairness, information sharing and transparency.
The Minister conceded that there will always be a
certain creative tension inherent in the federal system of government. The
perspective of the federal government is not the same as that of the constituent
states. But he stressed that a "federation in which the different
governments preserve their capacity for innovation and initiative, while working
together to achieve common objectives, is better able to identify the best
policies adapted to each context."
Mr. Dion stated that federations should be judged
pragmatically "based on their results in terms of the quality of life they
provide." He went on to stress that "it is too easy to be negative and
compile a list of the intergovernmental conflicts and disagreements that exist
in the life of a federation, without pointing to the more numerous agreements.
In Canada, around 500 intergovernmental agreements have been signed over the
last 15 years. They have had a beneficial impact on Canadians."
The Minister noted that constitutional issues
should also be judged by their results. He argued that, while the Constitution
Act, 1982 is perfectible, its main elements are appreciated by Canadians,
including Quebecers. These main elements are "a charter of rights and
freedoms, better protection for the French language, the inclusion of
equalization in the Constitution and the possibility of bilateral constitutional
amendments."
In concluding, the Minister noted that federalism
"is also an apprenticeship in negotiation, the art of conflict
resolution." He suggested that the federal experience can help a country
address even the most difficult issues, including its own potential break up.
The Minister admitted that "intergovernmental relations within a federation
are often highly complex, but (...) we must never forget that (...) federalism
is, first and foremost, a profoundly human undertaking."
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For information:
André Lamarre
Special Assistant
(613) 943-1838
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