federalism

All four Atlantic provinces have experienced significant political changes in the past year. These developments have taken place against the backdrop of additional major political change at the national and international level.

Every year since 2019, the Confederation of Tomorrow survey has been asking Canadians the following three questions about respect, influence and spending in the federation.

Public concerns about climate change notwithstanding, Canadians are placing increasing priority on economic security over the importance of reducing carbon emissions.

This report draws on the most recent Confederation of Tomorrow survey to present an updated picture of how Western Canadians view their province’s place in the federation. The survey finds that, rather than growing, levels of dissatisfaction in the three Prairie provinces with how federalism works in Canada declined between 2024 and 2025.

Two main political events since the start of this year have affected the context in which the relations between governments in Canada are evolving. First, the imposition of U.S. tariffs, combined with the American president’s threats against Canada’s independence, have created a new sense of urgency.

The latest edition of the Confederation of Tomorrow annual survey shows that Canadians haven’t changed their mind on provincial protectionism. | By Charles Breton & Andrew Parkin

The issues of Canadian identity and unity came to the fore in the first few months of 2025, in the face of the threatening policies and pronouncements of returning U.S. president Donald Trump.

Should Canadians be worried about identity politics? Some commentators lament the current obsession with identity, which they say focuses on what makes us different from one another rather than on what we have in common; that identity politics only serve to divide society into resentful silos. | By Michael Adams & Andrew Parkin

The annual Confederation of Tomorrow surveys explore the relationships between different types of identity. It asks about attachment to and identification with Canada and one’s province or territory; it also asks Indigenous Peoples about their attachment to their Indigenous nation or community.

A surprising resurgence of popularity for the Parti Québécois is not driven by growing support for sovereignty. But many Quebecers nonetheless identify themselves as mainly sovereigntist. What underpins this preference? Beyond an obvious preference for sovereignty, which of their views distinguish them from other Quebecers? | By Charles Breton & Andrew Parkin