Council of the Federation (Canada)
The Council of the Federation is a council in Canada made up of the Premiers of Canada's thirteen Provinces and Territories. Its main function is to provide a united front in dealing in provincial and territorial negotiations with Canada's Federal Government. It also promotes "constructive Confederation", working for Canadian unity and recognizing differences amongst the provinces and territories.
The Council of the Federation meets twice every year to discuss issues relating to the provinces and territories, and their relationships with each other and the Federal Government.
History
The idea for such a body had long been present, but it was Quebec Premier Jean Charest who suggested it in preparation for negotiations with the Federal Government. The idea was (for the first time) embraced by all of the Premiers, and the council was formed.
The foundation of the Council of the Federation was announced on December 5, 2003 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. This location was significant because Charlottetown was the venue for the Charlottetown Conference in 1864 (this conference was the first step towards Canadian Confederation).
The first true test of this united front occured on September 13-16, 2004 when the Premiers met with Prime Minister Paul Martin to discuss reforms to Canada's universal healthcare program. The premiers remained united, and in the end won $41 billion of federal funding for healthcare over the next ten years.
Issues
- Healthcare funding and innovation
- Economic development (especially in the wake of the BSE crisis)
- Strengthening Confedration (working for Provincial input into Senator and Supreme Court Justice selections)
- Reaching out to young Canadians (getting Canada's youth involved in the political process)
- Helping those affected by emergencies
- Inter-provincial/territorial trade
Members
- Honourable Dalton McGuinty ? Chair, Premier of Ontario
- Honourable Ralph Klein ? Vice-Chair, Premier of Alberta
- Honourable Pat Binns, Premier of Prince Edward Island
- Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia
- Honourable Gary Doer, Premier of Manitoba
- Honourable Bernard Lord, Premier of New Brunswick
- Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Honourable Joe Handley, Premier of the Northwest Territories
- Honourable John Hamm, Premier of Nova Scotia
- Honourable Paul Okalik, Premier of Nunavut
- Honourable Jean Charest, Premier of Québec
- Honourable Lorne Calvert, Premier of Saskatchewan
- Honourable Dennis Fentie, Premier of Yukon
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