The Meaning of Provincial Equality in Canadian Federalism

Abstract

The principle of the equality of the provinces has become ubiquitous, an increasingly important feature of the ongoing efforts to resolve Canada's national unity crisis. To some, the principle is an essential part of any solution to the crisis. To others, it is a dark cloud that stands in the way of a solution. Obviously, then, the principle is controver-sial. What, precisely, does it mean?