Carbon Province, Hydro Province: The Challenge of Canadian Energy and Climate Federalism

"Macdonald has written a book of transcendent importance for the development of a genuinely effective climate change plan. His formulation of negotiating scenarios, in particular, offers a constructive path forward, one that moves away from federal-provincial stalemates and the easy agreements that avoid actual solu­tions. And his masterful grasp of Canada's so far lame efforts in this arena is a major contribution to understanding where we have been and where we must go."

Geoff White, Literary Review of Canada

"This book is essential reading for all of those struggling to find a path to bridging Canada’s deep political and regional divisions over energy and climate policy. Macdonald’s authoritative analysis identifies the structural roots of this stubborn Canadian dilemma, and offers creative and practical solutions. His call for a long-overdue national dialogue on burden-sharing is critical to those solutions."

George Hoberg, School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, University of British Columbia, Vancouver

"In this timely work, Douglas Macdonald draws on a meticulously researched review of energy and climate change policy in Canada over the past three decades to offer recommendations for more effective federal leadership in these critical areas. Macdonald’s analysis of the dynamics of intergovernmental relations and policymaking offers important insights into the obstacles to progress on national greenhouse gas emission reductions. He goes beyond diagnosis, however, to identify elements of a new approach that may be more successful in overcoming the inter-regional conflicts that – constructed as such – have played a large role in preventing Canada from achieving its international commitments. This book is highly recommended for scholars, civil servants, and politicians concerned with intergovernmental relations, federalism, and Canadian energy and climate change policy."

Laurie Adkin, Department of Political Science, University of Alberta