Equal as Citizens

The tumultuous and troubled history of a great Canadian idea

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, Social Services & Welfare, Government, Civics, Economic Policy
Cover of the book Equal as Citizens by Richard Starr, Formac Publishing Company Limited
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Richard Starr ISBN: 9781459503144
Publisher: Formac Publishing Company Limited Publication: May 30, 2014
Imprint: Formac Language: English
Author: Richard Starr
ISBN: 9781459503144
Publisher: Formac Publishing Company Limited
Publication: May 30, 2014
Imprint: Formac
Language: English

No matter where they live, Canadians expect and receive equal benefits from their government when it comes to old age pensions, consular services when travelling abroad, and airline safety. Canadians also expect the same quality of education, medical care, and social benefits anywhere in the country. But when government services come from provinces and not Ottawa, differences in the quality of services can be enormous. Canada's provinces have equal responsibilities but very unequal means to pay for those responsibilities.

Equal citizenship for all Canadians is an idea that has a long and distinguished pedigree in Canadian life. When differences between the provinces grew dramatically in the early twentieth century, politicians crafted a response that sought to equalize services across the country. They called these measures "equalization," and the idea was deemed so fundamental that it was embodied in the 1982 Canadian constitution.

But Canada has changed. The centre of wealth has been shifting from Ontario toward the resource-rich provinces. The wealth gap between provinces has grown -- and with it disparities in taxes and services available to citizens. Regionalism and neoconservative ideas have undermined support for equal citizenship.

In this compelling new book, Richard Starr traces the history of this idea. He tracks how it has been undermined and attacked, and proposes how it can be reframed in a twenty-first century context to attract the support of most Canadians.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

No matter where they live, Canadians expect and receive equal benefits from their government when it comes to old age pensions, consular services when travelling abroad, and airline safety. Canadians also expect the same quality of education, medical care, and social benefits anywhere in the country. But when government services come from provinces and not Ottawa, differences in the quality of services can be enormous. Canada's provinces have equal responsibilities but very unequal means to pay for those responsibilities.

Equal citizenship for all Canadians is an idea that has a long and distinguished pedigree in Canadian life. When differences between the provinces grew dramatically in the early twentieth century, politicians crafted a response that sought to equalize services across the country. They called these measures "equalization," and the idea was deemed so fundamental that it was embodied in the 1982 Canadian constitution.

But Canada has changed. The centre of wealth has been shifting from Ontario toward the resource-rich provinces. The wealth gap between provinces has grown -- and with it disparities in taxes and services available to citizens. Regionalism and neoconservative ideas have undermined support for equal citizenship.

In this compelling new book, Richard Starr traces the history of this idea. He tracks how it has been undermined and attacked, and proposes how it can be reframed in a twenty-first century context to attract the support of most Canadians.

More books from Formac Publishing Company Limited

Cover of the book My River by Richard Starr
Cover of the book Lilly Traps the Bullies by Richard Starr
Cover of the book Mysteries, Legends and Myths of the First World War by Richard Starr
Cover of the book Music By Morgan by Richard Starr
Cover of the book An Arctic Man by Richard Starr
Cover of the book Lilly and the Snakes by Richard Starr
Cover of the book Toby's Very Important Question by Richard Starr
Cover of the book Canada's Bastions of Empire by Richard Starr
Cover of the book Think Again, Robyn by Richard Starr
Cover of the book The Real Food Solution by Richard Starr
Cover of the book Oak Island and its Lost Treasure by Richard Starr
Cover of the book Raffi's For the Birds by Richard Starr
Cover of the book Pilgrim Souls by Richard Starr
Cover of the book Plunder & Pillage by Richard Starr
Cover of the book Pucker Up, Morgan by Richard Starr
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy