Federalism - particularly in Canada - involves an ongoing contestation of interests, ideas, and identities. It is a contestation that sometimes clarifies but often obscures the nature of conflicts and the manner in which they are resolved. Recognizing the great degree of ambivalence associated with federalism, the authors provide students with the conceptual tools and basic knowledge of various governmental processes that will allow them to analyze and, if necessary, critique intergovernmental relations. Focusing on three areas - basic federal and intergovernmental structure; the constitutional and institutional framework of the federation; and 'federal governance' - Contested Federalism is an engaging and balanced treatment of federalism in Canada.

Introduction 1. Approaches to Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations 2. The Economic, Social, and Institutional Basis of Canadian Federalism 3. Intergovernmental Relations and the Policy Process: A Framework 4. The Constitution and Constitutional Change 5. Judicial Review and Dispute Resolution 6. The Settings of Executive Federalism 7. The Management and Reform of Executive Federalism 8. Fiscal Relations: Basic Principles and Overview 9. Fiscal Relations: Key Issues into the Harper Era 10. The Social Union, SUFA, and the Health Care Gorilla 11. Economic Union and Economic Policy 12. The Environmental Union 13. Local Government and Federalism 14. Aboriginal Governments and Federalism Conclusion: The Ambivalent Federation

Herman Bakvis , Professor, School of Public Administration, University of Victoria, Canada, Gerald Baier , Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of British Columbia, Canada, Douglas Brown , Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, St Francis Xavier University, Canada

"This is a book I've waited for 35 years for: it is comprehensive, superbly readable, uniform in style and language, and consistent in its comprehensibility. It has immediate coherence, relevance, and accessibility. Its voice is clear, timely, thoughtful, and provocative. It illuminates without preaching. It will become the superior primer on Canadian federalism for students first encountering this versatile governing system." --Anthony Careless, University of Toronto