PM eyes limits on Ottawa's powers

[applegrove]

PM eyes limits on Ottawa's powers
Holds talks with several premiers
May mean change to Constitution
Nov. 10, 2006. 07:02 AM
SEAN GORDON
QUEBEC BUREAU CHIEF
The Toronto Star


MONTREAL—Prime Minister Stephen Harper is discreetly sounding out some provincial premiers about setting formal limits on Ottawa's powers, even if it means possibly reopening the Constitution, sources say.

While discussions are at a preliminary stage, officials in Ottawa and several provinces suggested constraints on the federal spending power could eventually take the form of a constitutional amendment explicitly restricting Ottawa to its own areas of exclusive jurisdiction — a move that would reshape federal-provincial relations.

Under the Constitution, provinces have jurisdiction over areas such as education, social programs, municipalities and health, whereas federal responsibilities include foreign affairs, fisheries, defence and employment insurance, for instance.

Quebec and federal sources wouldn't speak for the record, but it's understood Harper has raised the topic of redefining powers in one-on-one conversations with several provincial leaders, even if it remains distant on the political horizon.

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http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1163112610095&call_page=TS_Canada&call_pageid=968332188774&call_pagepath=News/Canada&pubid=968163964505

[Spider Jerusalem]

1. Hm...

is this devolution of power to the provinces intended as a sop to the Quebecois separatists by granting greater autonomy and self-determination (without having it appear as though Ottawa is finally caving specifically on the Quebec issue)? One can't help but wonder...

[applegrove]

2. Neocons will do anything to strangle the feds from creating or improving

any social program. They must see it as a wedge issue for Quebec and the West. And with the NDP never pointing out the dangers such neocon things anymore... it may be a wedge that works.

What happened to the senate? Where is that on the agenda?