Asymmetrical Federalism: A Win-Win Formula!

Abstract

In September 2004, the federal and provincial first ministers signed a health-care accord, which explicitly recognized the principle of “asymmetrical federalism” and the possibility of the provinces and territories having recourse to this principle through specific agreements. At the same time, and on the basis of the same principle, the prime ministers of Canada and Quebec concluded a bilateral agreement recognizing Quebec’s specificity and its desire to fully exercise its responsibilities in matters concerning its jurisdiction. This agreement, which I had the privilege to negotiate at premier Charest’s request, means that Quebec will retain its freedom in the area of health care, while the other provinces accept a more integrated form of intergovernmental management.