The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge Moore Butts #25 -- Is This Any Way To Run A Country?
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Oct 14, 2025 Join former Conservative Cabinet minister James Moore and political strategist Gerald Butts as they delve into the complexities of Canada's federal-provincial relations. They explore the historical origins of confederation, the challenges posed by pipeline disputes, and the nuances of Indigenous rights. The conversation raises vital questions about whether the current system is effective or in need of reform, while highlighting instances of successful cooperation like the health accord. Expect reflections on regionalism and the role of political timing in fostering collaboration.
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Dalton McGinty Hated First Ministers' Meetings
- Gerald Butts recounts Dalton McGinty's dislike of first ministers' meetings and being treated as an equal to small-town representatives.
- The story illustrates how large provinces feel the friction of federal-provincial parity in practical meetings.
Canada Is A Confederation By Design
- Canada is fundamentally a confederation created by provinces that ceded select powers to a federal government.
- That origin explains persistent provincial suspicion toward Ottawa and shapes today's federal-provincial posture.
Pipelines Are Multi‑Layered Political Problems
- Pipeline debates layer federal, provincial, Indigenous and judicial dimensions, making agreement legally and politically complex.
- Coastal First Nations' constitutional claims and court rulings can decisively block projects regardless of provincial or federal will.