The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge Moore Butts Encore -- Is This Any Way To Run A Country?
Dec 29, 2025
James Moore, a former Conservative cabinet minister, and Gerald Butts, a seasoned Liberal strategist, dive deep into the complexities of Canadian federalism. They explore the origins of Confederation, the tug-of-war over pipelines involving Indigenous interests, and the role of regional frustration in today's politics. The duo discusses successful federal-provincial collaborations, such as CPP reform and the challenge of navigating separatist sentiments. With insightful commentary on the balance between provincial grievances and national unity, their conversation is both timely and engaging.
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Confederation Shapes Today's Federalism
- Canada is fundamentally a confederation where provinces created the federal government and reserved powers for local needs.
- That origin shapes ongoing provincial distrust of Ottawa and explains persistent federal-provincial tensions.
Indigenous Rights And Courts Decide Projects
- Coastal First Nations and the courts decisively shape pipeline outcomes in British Columbia.
- Projects die or survive based on constitutional duty to consult and Indigenous opposition, not only political bargaining.
Health Accord Heard From A Truck
- James Moore recounts listening from his truck as the 2004 health accord was announced and how it removed health as a campaign issue.
- That accord exemplified federal-provincial cooperation that shaped a decade of policy stability.