Trudeau And The Development Of Canadian Federalism Analysis

Federalism has not only become the basis on which Canada relies for existence, but it also has become the most important political principle which is used for managing state affairs. Especially as the Canadian Prime Minister, Pierre E. Trudeau made a significant contribution to the Canadian federalism in the political, economic and cultural fields. And his activities had unprecedented effect on the evolution of Canadian federalism. The dissertation is dedicated to tracing the source of some problems with Canadian federalism, analyzing the relations between Pierre E. Trudeau and Canadian federal development, and studying the process and nature of Canadian federal development.Canada has vast domain, and the traiectory and traditions of each area differ. It should be noted that there are clear-cut differences among geographic conditions, economic level and economic structure, and therefore their economic interests art utterly different. The barriers and conflicts between French Canadians and English Canadians exist for a long time. Therefore, for Canada, federalism is the inevitable choice, and meanwhile it also is the best choice. The early Canada was characterized by an emphasis on strengthening the centralized system.The path of Canadian development was not always smooth. Falling such situation had many causes: Firstly, French Canadian tendency toward separating from Canadian federation was very serious;Secondly, Canadian provinces held rather a thin attitude of approval and agreement, so presenting a true threat to the political community-Canada, the basis of which is federalism;Thirdly, separation of finances, revenues and jurisdiction did not make Canadian economy develop in a steady and smooth way;Finally, Quebec government, overriding the federal government, carried out a series of foreign activities, and it exerted a lasting and bad influence on Canadian foreign affairs. In the 1960s, these problems become more and more serious and endangered the existence of Canadian federation.In the face of the most serious crisis in Canadian history, Pierre E. Trudeau determined to preserve the Canadian unity and improve Canadian federalism by theLiberalism principle, since he took power. In order to diminish national contradiction between French Canadians and English Canadians, Trudeau enacted the Official Languages Act and launched the multicultural policy. Furthermore, he modified the Canadian Constitution in order that the Canadian federation would have full sovereignty, and sought justice in order that Canada would be a just society for each Canadian citizen.Trudeau did his best and devoted himself to the development and improvement of Canadian federalism. Although he committed some faults in financial policy, the western provinces and federal structure, he still had a great influence on Canadian federalism. It is a indispensable link in studying the development of Canadian federalism that adopting a correct approach towards political heritage.