Historically, Saskatchewan and Alberta is like night and day. Saskatchewan, traditionally, a province that has embraced and exemplified the impact of a left-wing party, contrastingly Alberta is known to be the stronghold of the conservatives or right- wing politics. Despite their close geographic proximity, the provinces diverged from the common point of having a Liberal government. From the debutant of Alberta and Saskatchewan, economic development as well as the demographics of these two provinces, it narrates the separation of political homogeneity from the domination of the Liberal party to right and left wing ideology respectively, along with the emergence of new political parties. In recent years there has not been a trend of convergence …show more content…
in politics despite, the provinces electing new political party into power. Prior to 1905, Alberta and Saskatchewan were territorial governments (Hall 1921). As Alberta and Saskatchewan were rebranded as provinces, there was a rise of partisan politics. Liberal and Conservative parties’ rivalry intensified, creating an atmosphere of partisan politics. When the Prairie Provinces were created, the settlement by immigrants was widely encouraged. Western Canada was nicknamed the as Canada’s Last Best West, an aim to increase settlement in these rural areas provinces such as British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. A legislative body was introduced to maintain order in the provinces. As the Liberal party was in power in Ottawa at the time they were able to utilize that advantage (MacPherson 2013). Prior to the federal party being distinct from the provincial party in terms of policy and party membership, the parties were united as one. Along the creation of the new provinces, these subsidiaries of political parties were created for each party to better represent the citizens. As well, as increasing party reputation as one is more likely to vote for the party that they identify with strongly in both provincial and federal election. Thus, the national political party pushed for the creation of provincial parties. As a result of the fledging provincial political scene, “the Liberal administrations…were able to arrange things favorably for the first election which were held in Alberta in November and in Saskatchewan in December” (Macpherson 2013, pg 24). With the Liberals in office for both provinces, political culture and public policies were developed around Liberal platforms. In Alberta the “first sixteen years of her history as a province her government was in the respectable hands of the Liberal Party” (Thomas, 1947 pg 411). The Liberal party was able to maintain power for two decades. In Saskatchewan, the Conservative and Liberal party merged due to its stagflation of support, it is not able to possess a majority party. Thus, a merger of the Conservative and the Liberal party went underway to defeat the NDP. The Saskatchewan Party “was nothing more the Conservative Party with a new name” due to the Conservative party having more seniority, affording theie input with much more weight (Wishlow, 2001, pg 171). The Saskatchewan party would be in power for two elections whilst, the conservative and Liberal party have ceased to exist. Despite, talks of the Conservative party rejoining the race as opposed to pushing paper around. The Saskatchewan party is on the other side of the spectrum of the NDP or the CCF in terms of ideology. Saskatchewan and Alberta, both have differing core values.
These core values are the underlying current of political variation. Alberta’s “political culture contains three closely related strains: populism, conservatism, and Western alienation”, these three strains account for the rise and resilience of a right wing party (Welsey 2011, pg 18). With equalization in place, it conveys the sense that Alberta is committing more resources into the development of the country through keeping other provinces financially sound. This policy has caused a lot of resentment within the province. It stems back to the notion of taxation without representation. Alberta is footing the bills for other parts of Canada, and Ottawa are rewarding central Canada as opposed to Alberta. As well as not benefitting the economy of Alberta, the federal government is expecting them to assist the provinces that the federal government is benefitting. Thus, Alberta has demanded for a lot of different protectionist policies in regards to this sentiment, as the Alberta government is sought to be protecting its interest against the federal government and international business competition. Saskatchewan is dedicated to the “communitarianism and civic engagement… sense of political and geographical isolation” (Welsey 2011, pg 20). Saskatchewan from the beginning was economically isolated, as the population was predominantly farmers. As most of them are farmers he economic policy enacted would heed little results, …show more content…
as Saskatchewan is a small player in the international agriculture economy, policy that benefits the farmers directly in the forms of tax breaks or subsidies would yield a greater result. With a great percentage of the population engaging in civic duties, the chance of the voters having a great influence in the government is very evident. Farmers who were the majority of population were able to have a great say in the government due to its high voter turnout. As a result of great civic engagement, the politics of the province greatly reflects the wishes of the citizens. As the economy and society developed, both provinces experienced a shift toward right wing ideology.
In Saskatchewan, both parties have differencing views about immigration and the race of the immigrants. The immigrants were divided into two groups, Anglo-Saxon English speakers and those who speak a foreign language. “Conservative party took up its traditional role of prim spokesman for the Anglo-Saxon Protestant” (Spencer, 42). There were fears of the non-English speaking immigrants as many Anglo speakers saw them as a threat to their culture. As a result, the goal for the preservation of culture led to the active “Canadianization”, and assimilation. The great influx of American immigrants also assisted in the contribution of Anglo immigrants and the growing anti-Anglo sentiment. Despite, the Conservatives’ racism, they were able to gain majority of the Saskatchewan legislature, dethroning the Liberal after an uninterrupted 24 years period. The racist ideology of the time period is reflected in the Conservative, progressive and independent party eventually leading to the development of the co-operative government. This government was able to dethrone the Liberal and relegate them to the position of official opposition, whom was unwilling to compromise on immigration policies and appeal to the population. The economic ideology brought by the Anglo immigrants especially American immigrants contributed to the economic factor of Saskatchewan. The Tory touch brought by the
increasing large percentage of immigrants in the population, allowed for policies to be more accepting of progressive policies. The Conservative party was heavily influences by the immigrants as they account for an increasing number of voters, whose say in the government have an impact. Conservative party was beginning to gain traction in Alberta around 1913, as dissent for the Liberal party was increasing. (MacPherson 2013). Due to the Great Waterway Railway Scandal, increase in the distrust of the government and dissatisfaction towards its inefficiency led to the constituents voting for the other party in order to ensure results that will bring about change. (MacPherson 2013). The United Farmers Alliance was the pioneers of the farmers alliance system as their platform only consist of two elements: “principle of strict class political organization and constituency autonomy” (MacLaren, 2013 pg 29). It is a right wing party that stressed
Quebec’s social identity and defining characteristics contradict and conflict with those of rest of Canada. Since the genesis of our country, the political, social disagreements, and tensions between Quebec and the rest of Canada have been unavoidable. Utilizing Hiller’s key contradictions in the analysis of a Canadian society, we will compare and contrast the nature of the societal identity in Quebec compared to that of rest of Canada, emphasising on the major differences and tensions between the province and the rest of the country.
...to identity with at least one of the countries predominate languages, English or French, dictated the degree in which they could participate in Canadian life. According to the Commission, this participation was real under two conditions: “that both societies, the French-speaking as well as the English-speaking, accept[ed] newcomers much more rapidly than they have done in the past; and that the two societies willingly allow other groups to preserve and enrich, if they so desire, the cultural values they prize[d]” (RCBB Book 1 xxv). It creates an interesting take on the acceptance of those “othered” groups, as change was necessary not only on the part of the minorities but also from Canada’s French and English-speakers. The Commissions work remains focused on language and culture, more so than ethnicity amongst a bilingual, bicultural and “othered” Canadian society.
Leeson, H. A., & University of Regina (2009). Saskatchewan politics: Crowding the centre. Regina: Canadian Plains Research Center, University of Regina.
In the year 1957, Canada elected its first Prime minister without English or French root, John Diefenbaker. While growing up in the city of Toronto, because of his German name, he was often teased. [1] He grew up as an outcast, and so he was able to relate to the discrimination and inequality many of the minorities in Canada felt. This essay will attempt to answer the question: To what extent did Prime Minister John Diefenbaker help promote equality to the minority communities. . The minorities in this time period were the women, aboriginals, and immigrants. During his time as the Prime Minister, he was able to help protect the rights of this group because many of their rights were being abused by the society. Diefenbaker also helped the minorities to stand up for themselves and other groups. Diefenbaker was able to bring positive change to the minority communities by making an official Bill of Rights and appointing people of discriminated groups to the parliament while other members did not.
Stevenson, Garth. "Canadian Federalism: The Myth of the Status Quo." Reinventing Canada: Politics of the 21st Century. Ed. M. Janine Brodie and Linda Trimble. Toronto: Prentice Hall, 2003. 204-14. Print.
Newman, Garfield et al. Canada A Nation Unfolding. Toronto: Mc Graw – Hill Ryerson Limited, 2000.
Quebec has struggled with a need to be maitres chez nous “masters of their own house” (Young, 1998). Many attempts at resolving Quebec's issues has resulted in tensions from both sides. Because Quebec has a strong national identity, and do not define themselves as strictly Canadian, Quebec is seen as difficult, unyielding and discontented. Quebec's separation perhaps is inedible and the future of Canada questionable. Canada without Quebec will bring about many complications and whether there is a rest of Canada (ROC) after Quebec a major challenge. Western alienation and the lack of representation in federal affairs will be a factor; moreover, past actions and historical events may have turned Canada into a time bomb, and the deterioration of the provinces the only sulotion. How First Ministers react to Quebec's sovereignty regarding economic factors, political structure, and constitutional issues will be of great importance. Whether emotional issues will play a major role in decision making is subjective; however, it is fair to say that it will be an emotionally charged event and it could either tear apart the ROC or fuse it together. Placing emphasis on investigating what keeps Canada together is perhaps the key to Canada's future, and salvaging a relationship with Quebec.
Different states have various ways of ruling and governing their political community. The way states rule reflects upon the political community and the extent of positive and negative liberty available to their citizens. Canada has come a long way to establishing successful rights and freedoms and is able to do so due to the consideration of the people. These rights and freedoms are illustrated through negative and positive liberties; negative liberty is “freedom from” and positive liberty is “freedom to”. A democracy, which is the style of governing utilized by Canada is one that is governed more so by the citizens and a state is a political community that is self-governing which establishes rules that are binding.
Canada is known by outsiders to be a very peaceful country. But if you ask any Canadian they well tell you that is unfortunately not the case. For there is a large ongoing conflict between Canadians. The conflict is between the French and the English, or more specifically between Quebec and the rest of Canada. As a result of this conflict, along with some wrongdoing and propaganda. Quebec has considered and has gone as far to hold referendums over Separatism (Surette,2014). Separatism is that the province of Quebec separates from the rest of Canada to form its own country. Which would have immense effects on indubitably Quebec but also the rest of Canada (Martin, 2014). This report will focus on the root causes and origin of Quebec Separatism, the current state of Quebec Separatism and finally how we as a society can act towards Quebec Separatism.
Frist, federalism is the division of power between the provinces and the federal government (Cutler 2010, 3). As well, Federal systems tend to be made up of multiple parts, which do not necessarily work together (Brock 2008, 3). There has been an increase on the study of federalism in recent years, which has created a more in-depth look at how federalism impacts the government. (Farfard Rocher 2009, 294). There are two aspects of federalism and both of them put limitations on the influence of the prime minister. The first is called political asymmetry; this encompasses the various attitudes of the different provinces such as the culture, economic, social and political conditions and how it shapes the relationship between the provincial and federal governments (Brock 2008, 4). This can create a problem for the federal government because it means that they may ha...
Regionalism is a political ideology based on a collective sense of place or attachment, and is discussed in terms of Canadian society, culture, economy and politics (Westfall, 3). Canada is known internationally as a nation incorporating several multiregional interests and identities into its unification of culture. Its diverse population is comprised of numerous ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations and traditions; and all resides under one federal government. Ever since the founding of Canada, it has developed into regional cleavages and identities, based on various geographical topologies, lifestyles and economic interests (Westfall, 6). It is these characteristics which make it problematic for the federal government to represent all demands of its people on a national level. Regionalism is thus an issue within regards to political proficiency in the Federal government.
Canada and Quebec have always been in conflict from the confederation of 1867 to the Supreme court judgement on the secession of Quebec in 1998. Quebec faces several challenges in terms of constitutional relations with the rest of Canada. Quebec is seeking a special status to preserve and protect its culture and language, while the rest of English-speaking Canada accepts the view of provincial equality. There have been attempts to recognize Quebec's concerns through constitutional amendments, but these attempts have not lived up to Quebec's expectations and for the most parts have failed. Quebec has threatened Canada throughout history with separation from Canada. These threats have not been ignored, the rest of Canada realizes the devastating impact economically and politically if Quebec did separate but they cannot reach a compromise. Canada has as tried to encourage Quebec not to separate from Canada. In 1995 Quebec held its second referendum on sovereignly and the separatists narrowly lost the province wide. The province brought the case to the Supreme court of Canada to rule on the legal guidelines of unilateral secession under Canadian and international law, in the end some say the federalists (those not wanting to separate) came out on top. In this essay I will discuss the various historical attempts made by government to keep Quebec a part of Canada. I will also attempt to explain the impact of the Supreme Court Ruling on the Quebec secession. Many argue that the federalist won in the decision but that statement is debatable. Both Quebec and the rest of Canada won in the ruling. I believe that English Canadians should spend some time getting to know their French neighbors and vice ...
In conclusion, Canada has come a long way in promoting the integration of immigrants socially. The country is making progress integrating immigrants economically, and much needs to be done before the same can be said politically. What is certain, is that the immigrant’s path of integration may be a slow process, and the Canadian government has been slow to propel it… but the future looks bright, and Canada is on the right track.
There are several reasons why Canada has adopted the equalization program. First, there are the vertical and horizontal imbalances between provinces and country. Next, Canadian provinces have a strong preference for provincial autonomy. Third, there is need for economical and political equity between provinces. Finally, equalization is needed for economic labour mobility efficiency within the feudalism.
To conclude, in the present Canadians are seeing change in PSE funding policies begin to come from the provinces. Due to the fact that “when Ottawa went against the grain and launched the Millennium Scholarship programs, provincial feathers, especially Quebec’s, were immediately ruffled,” provinces such as Quebec and British Columbia, among others, were motivated to “set up their own research funding agencies with the view to [maximize] the likelihood of obtaining funds from Ottawa,” (Bakvis 216). As for the legitimacy of cooperative federalism in Canada today, it seems as though executive federalism itself is turning largely paternalistic – at least in the sense of PSE. More often than not, in PSE funding, the federal government has taken the initiative while “one set of executives – those from provincial governments – was largely absent,” (Bakvis 218).