Why Canada Has Trouble Coming Out White In The Wash.

Few use the term confederation to describe our political structure these days, especially given that economic might rests principally in two jurisdictions: Ontario and Alberta. In point of fact, this economic and political arrangement is indeed a federation, one in which economic jealousy is far more powerful than political resentment. Much noise is made about so-called Laurentian elites, read Quebec, dominating our federation, but in economic terms, nothing could be further from the truth. 

At its most raw, separatism is a pocketbook issue where an argument is made that economic reality can be vastly improved by going it alone. Those who choose to be the most candid and realistic are forced to acknowledge that, for most of our history, Canada's interests have equated with Ontario's interests. The green-eyed monster lives and thrives with each announcement adding to the economic importance of that citadel on a hill otherwise known as Toronto. The urge to go solo stems from there. 

A concrete and pointed example can be found in the recent decision taken where Canada will host the multilateral Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB) and guess what, the traditional divides and cleavages are alive and well as Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia battle it out for the nod. Lucky Carney. No matter how you slice and dice this one, it won't end well for the federal government.

Ain't federalism just grand! More resentment and unending bickering ahead.