Chapter 5 Chapter Overview

This chapter examines the historical roots and contemporary issues of regionalism in Canada. In recent years, the challenges of regionalism have increased due to federal government policies that appear to favour central Canada. As a result of conflict over natural resource revenue, especially the incredibly contentious National Energy Program led to greater western alienation which had a major impact on Canada’s party system, economic disparities, and intergovernmental conflict.

The chapter also explores the definitions of regions in Canada from Atlantic Canada to the Prairie provinces to the North, and explores the various regional political cultures. The unique political cultures within Canada are significant as they affect different visions and feelings of attachment to Canada. With respect to political culture, there are differences between English Canada and French Canada. While French Canada stands out as being more collectivist than the other provinces, on the whole these differences are not great.

Another area the chapter discusses is the idea of cross-border regions. Cross-border regions are constructed to demonstrate the similarities between provinces and their southern American neighbours compared to the differences running east to west. These include cross-border provinces and states that share economic, cultural, and institutional linkages that set them apart from other regions. Such regions include the West, the Prairie–Great Plains, the Great Lakes–Heartland, and the East.