Federalism, Democracy and Labour Market Policy in Canada

Labour market policy occupies a space at the intersection of social policy and economic policy and as such has important implications for each. With the signing of the Social Union Framework Agreement between Ottawa and nine provincial governments, Canada has embarked on an ambitious restructuring of virtually all aspects of social policy. Canada's emerging social union is predicated on finding new forms of governance to meet the challenges of a post-deficit era characterized by globalization and domestic decentralization. The authors provide comprehensive assessments of the current state of governance within the areas of income support for the unemployed, active labour market measures, and youth policy. The analysis focuses on how the current state of governance reflects a combined commitment to specific social policy goals, principles of federalism, and democratic oversight of the policy making process. This volume sheds new light on the complex nature of the intergovernmental regimes governing labour market policy. It makes recommendations concerning how different governance structures might better serve both Canadians and the federation. Contributors include Gerard W. Boychuk (University of Waterloo), Rodney Haddow (St Francis Xavier University), Thomas R. Klassen (Trent University), Stephen McBride (Simon Fraser University), Tom McIntosh, and Peter Stoyko (Carleton University).