Federalism in Canada: Contested Concepts and Uneasy Balances

"Federalism in Canada is fresh and matter of fact, a constitutional travelogue."

Holly Doan, Blacklock’s Reporter

"I highly recommend this book to all students of federalism interested in understanding how the Canadian federal system came to be and how it evolved over the past century and a half. It is a textbook example of a contribution that is perfectly balanced between advancing knowledge and making scholarly research accessible to the public."

Félix Mathieu, University of Winnipeg, Canadian Journal of Political Science

"This book rightfully should take its place within this scholarly history of federalism as a useful and original contribution."

James T. McHugh, University of Akron, Publius: The Journal of Federalism

"Thomas O. Hueglin's long-awaited book offers a nuanced and balanced reading of the evolution of Canadian federalism that takes into account conflicts that arise from differing conceptions of the foundations of the political community. It is a tour de force accomplished with skill and brilliance."

François Rocher, University of Ottawa

"Hueglin offers a sweeping and penetrating look at contested concepts that have permeated all facets of Canadian federalism since confederation, some of which will endure beyond today because Canada’s diverse peoples hold competing notions of federalism that resist a final settlement."

John Kincaid, Lafayette College

"A rare treat: insightful, witty, stimulating. Goes beyond most existing explanations of Canadian politics by understanding federalism as a perpetual debate not just about content but also about who may speak and when."

Sean Mueller, University of Lausanne

"In this book, Hueglin identifies a key to unlocking a better understanding of Canadian politics: it is not only the operation of federalism that is profoundly contested in this country but most importantly its meaning."

André Lecours, University of Ottawa