Federalism is sustained by an elaborate set of institutions and processes through which political and policy decisions are made and implemented.

For instance, ministers at different levels of government often meet to resolve national issues residing within their mandates (e.g. meetings of Health Ministers, Education Ministers, Industry Ministers, Environment Ministers, etc.).  First Ministers (i.e. the Prime Minister and Premiers) also meet periodically to address national issues of the highest importance that transcend single ministerial mandates.

There are also numerous formal, standing administrative bodies such as the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME). Informal administrative contacts also occur on a daily basis across a huge range of issues addressed by both levels of government.

Finally, there is the elaborate system of Equalization Programs that function to provide funding to the provinces so that they may provide comparable services (i.e. a national baseline) in the areas of health care, education, and social policy.

Across the vast majority of issues in federalism, these institutions and processes function well without public concern.  However, some issues tend to be perpetually controversial, such as health care funding and equalization payments.  This can leave the impression of dysfunction, which is probably not justified.

The post Institutions and Processes of Federalism appeared first on essay-paper.