Federalism, Citizenship and Quebec

by Alain-G. Gagnon

Canadians often imagine their country as a multicultural democracy, while a few go further to claim that the country's diversity can be characterized as multinational in its social and institutional make-up. In Federalism, Citizenship, and Quebec, Alain-G. Gagnon and Raffaele Iacovino reveal how this notion has been falsely presented to the populace. Through comprehensive historical, contemporary, and critical accounts, they argue that the country has been the object of an aggressive nationalizing project that contravenes the principles of a 'multinational federation.' Gagnon and Iacovino defend a conception of diverse citizenship for Canada that is truly suitable to a durable and just constitutional association and provide an alternative path for the country based on normative, socio-political, and practical considerations associated with multinational democracy. Including a detailed account of the main challenges associated with Quebec's place in the federation, Federalism, Citizenship, and Quebec stands apart from other English-language studies on multinational democracy, citizenship, and federalism, and, most notably, multinational democracy in Canada. Gagnon and Iacovino ground their work in both history and theory, offering a truly interdisciplinary approach that will appeal to scholars from fields as diverse as Canadian and Quebec politics, comparative politics, and political and legal theory. The book will contribute to awareness of the need for appreciating diversity in contemporary societies while being a useful addition to English Canadian students in these fields, who often lack exposure to many of the rich debates proceeding in Quebec.

240 pages, Paperback

First published December 2, 2006

Reviews

[jerry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this academic text interesting, but so targeted to an audience of political scientists that it was almost impenetrable. Gagnon and Iacovino dream for a Quebec that was lost the moment Upper and Lower Canada merged their interests in the Union Act of 1841. They effectively lay the groundwork for understanding the historic basis for the separateness the Quebecois feel, as well as provide a clear picture of Canada's version of multiculturalism, however, their vision for a new federalism in Canada ignores the key relationship of money and power that drive so much of modern politics. Their world is that of a polity with nothing else to do but negotiate their relationships to each other. Interesting theory, but very difficult to accept pragmatically with the missing political-economic component.

Do I get a graduate credit for this?