Charles Breton
@cbreton.bsky.social
Directeur/ED Centre d'excellence sur la fédération canadienne. centre.irpp.org
A good contribution with one shortcoming: Like many, Coyne exclusively focuses on the centralization-decentralization axis while completely ignoring the second (probably more important) dimension of federalism: unilateralism-cooperation. www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Opinion: It’s not the separatists who are the real threat to the country. It’s the federalists
When Smith and Poilievre talk about fighting for Canada, they are endorsing secessionist premises
theglobeandmail.com
In which we document how one part of Alberta has warmed up to the Federation in recent years while the other part hasn’t moved one bit.
Les Perreaux@perreaux.bsky.social · 2mo agoCharles Breton & Andrew Parkin: Grievances in Alberta: how deep, how broad? policyoptions.irpp.org/2026/06/albe... @cbreton.bsky.social @parkinac.bsky.social @policyoptions.irpp.org
In which we document how one part of Alberta has warmed up to the Federation in recent years while the other part hasn’t moved one bit.
Les Perreaux@perreaux.bsky.social · 2mo agoCharles Breton & Andrew Parkin: Grievances in Alberta: how deep, how broad? policyoptions.irpp.org/2026/06/albe... @cbreton.bsky.social @parkinac.bsky.social @policyoptions.irpp.org
Do read Jared's piece. The feelings he talks about are complex, multi-faceted and hard to measure. Based on our own imperfect way of capturing those feelings (the resentment index), it does seem like one group of Albertans is warming up to the Federation while the other hasn't moved one bit.
Jared Wesley@jaredwesley.ca · 2mo agoMy latest piece really touched a nerve, particularly among some progressives who prefer to call Albertans "whiners" and "entitled". Many folks are frustrated by what they see as "illegitimate" grievances dominating our political agenda. I share those frustrations. But here's the thing...+
Had to renew my personal website. I don't need one, but I keep renewing it so that a post I did on the evolution of Canadian Political Science through citation networks has a home. I'm begging someone, anyone, to take it and update it! charlesbreton.ca/co-citation/
We track most of this stuff on an annual basis. Check the full report for other charts that look like that one!
Andrew Parkin@parkinac.bsky.social · 3mo agoSince 2019, the proportion saying that Alberta is not treated with respect has fallen by 23 percentage points, from 71 to 48 percent. ▶️https://environicsinstitute.org/spotlight-on-alberta-2026/
I found it striking that, on average, when asked about the federal government’s “building faster” agenda, Canadians are just as likely to insist on the need for buy-in from Indigenous communities, as they are to insist on provincial or territorial agreement. environicsinstitute.org/building-fas...
Alright, the industrial policy discourse is driving me insane. So I'm gonna vent a bit. There are basically two types of industrial policy proponents. Bluntly, those who like industrial policy, and those who believe we have no choice but to do some. Those of us in the latter camp need to be louder.
Encore soufflé par l'illustration qui accompagnait la chronique de @jfnadeau.bsky.social hier. Merci pour cette belle découverte. La chronique: www.ledevoir.com/opinion/chro...
We’re hiring a Manager for Canada’s Productivity Initiative at @UCaglary! It's a great opportunity to help build a national partnership connecting universities, governments, and policy leaders. If it sounds like a fit, take a look and please share: careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/176253...
So potentially having three different sets of conditions for the use of the notwithstanding clause? MB / Fed / Rest?
Aaron Wherry@aaronwherry.bsky.social · 4mo ago"Fraser said he’s considering taking up a proposed law by Ontario Sen. Peter Harder, Bill S-218, to amend the Constitution Act and establish conditions for Ottawa’s use of the notwithstanding clause."
Someone toned down their message to get this done. Also, yes, this can be seen as "conservative" Premiers banding together, but this is an all-party issue in Quebec. The justice minister received unanimous support from the National Assembly to negotiate.
Les Perreaux@perreaux.bsky.social · 4mo agoDanielle Smith has found some friends to argue for more provincial say in judicial appointments. 1/2
Why does Ottawa engage with Québec on judicial appointments but brush off Alberta? It's not just about sovereignty threats. It's about strategy. New piece by @cbreton.bsky.social (@irpp.org) policyoptions.irpp.org/2026/03/judicial-appointments-provinces/
Why Alberta and Quebec diverge on judicial appointments
Alberta and Quebec both want a role in judicial appointments. But their arguments reveal sharply different visions of federalism.
policyoptions.irpp.org
Could Quebec adopt its own provincial constitution? A new IRPP study by Dave Guénette analyzes the constitutional powers provinces hold over their internal constitutions and the possibilities for Quebec to adopt a formal one. 👉 Read now: centre.irpp.org/research-stu... @usherbrooke.bsky.social
What Powers Does Quebec Have over Its Internal Constitutional Order? The Constitution of Quebec in a Federal and Comparative Context - Centre of Excellence on the Canadian Federation
On October 9, 2025, the Quebec government, through Minister of Justice Simon Jolin-Barrette, tabled Bill 1, entitled the Québec Constitution Act, 2025, in the National Assembly. This unilateral action...
centre.irpp.org
Le Québec pourrait-il adopter sa propre constitution provinciale? Une nouvelle étude IRPP, par Dave Guénette, analyse les pouvoirs constitutionnels internes des provinces et les possibilités pour le Qc d’adopter une constitution formelle. centre.irpp.org/fr/research-... @usherbrooke.bsky.social
Quels pouvoirs le Québec détient-il sur son ordre constitutionnel interne ? La Constitution du Québec en contexte fédéral et comparé - Centre of Excellence on the Canadian Federation
Le 9 octobre 2025, le gouvernement du Québec, par l’entremise du ministre Simon Jolin-Barrette, a déposé à l’Assemblée nationale le projet de loi no 1, intitulé Loi constitutionnelle de 2025 sur le Qu...
centre.irpp.org
What happens when immigration, trade pressures, housing shortages and the energy transition all converge in one rural community? Our latest Community Transformations profile looks at how Neepawa is navigating transformation and what it means for rural Canada. Full report ⬇️ irpp.org/research-stu...
Neepawa: Manitoba’s Fast Growing “Land of Plenty” - IRPP
Neepawa, a rural Prairie community of just over 6,000 people west of Winnipeg, has long been shaped by its agricultural roots. It is a place made famous by author Margaret Laurence, whose Manawaka nov...
irpp.org
Some historical and comparative context from me, with a particular focus on industrial policy. Like others before, the PM is committed to cooperative federalism. Without institutional reform, however, competitive federalism will prevail. policyoptions.irpp.org/2026/02/comp...
Mark Carney and the failure of co-operative federalism in Canada
Carney promises co-operative federalism, but without institutional reform, Canada risks falling back into competitive provincial politics.
policyoptions.irpp.org
Groceries & essentials are straining lower income household budgets.The CGEB could reach 12M+ Canadians.Who qualifies? How much will people receive? Who will benefit the most? @gillianpetit.bsky.social & @shaimaayassin.bsky.social break it down in their new IRPP commentary: irpp.org/research-stu...
Expanding the GST/HST Credit: How the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Helps Canadians and Why Design Choices Matter - IRPP
The federal government announced the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) on January 26, 2026. The benefit is an expansion of the existing GST/HST Credit aimed at easing affordability pressu...
irpp.org
Mark Carney@mark-carney.bsky.social · 6mo agoWe’re launching the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. That’s going to put hundreds of dollars more into the bank accounts of over twelve million Canadians, starting this year.
Grosse course aujourd’hui à la Coupe du Mont-Royal. Montréal, une véritable métropole nordique!
Le Devoir@ledevoir.com · 6mo agoPrès d’une centaine de jeunes ont tenté de décrocher leur billet pour la finale des Jeux du Québec. Photoreportage.
📅 La conversation se poursuit le 5 février, lors d’un webinaire avec @cbreton.bsky.social, Irene Bloemraad et @mireillepaquet.bsky.social Inscription : irpp.org/fr/irpp-even... @irms-concordia.bsky.social @migration.ubc.ca
« Canada’s Changing Immigration Landscape: Top five things to watch out for in 2026 » (Webinaire) - IRPP
Le paysage de l’immigration au Canada est en plein changement et l’année 2026 s’annonce comme une année pivot. Joignez-vous à nous lors de ce webinaire qui sera l’occasion de se pencher sur les grande...
irpp.org
The conversation continues on February 5 with a webinar in this research series featuring @cbreton.bsky.social, Irene Bloemraad, and @mireillepaquet.bsky.social Register today: irpp.org/irpp-event/c... @migration.ubc.ca, @irms-concordia.bsky.social
Canada’s Changing Immigration Landscape: Top five things to watch out for in 2026 (Webinar) - IRPP
Canada’s immigration landscape is changing and 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year. Join us for a webinar unpacking the key trends, policies and events that will define immigration policy in the y...
irpp.org
Coming up soon👉 A webinar on what 2026 could mean for Canada’s immigration policy. @cbreton.bsky.social, Irene Bloemraad & @mireillepaquet.bsky.social will explore trends to watch, the debates ahead & the choices that could have lasting impacts. Register: irpp.org/irpp-event/c... @migration.ubc.ca
Nouvelle chronique, sur l'angle mort des discours sur la polarisation politique policyoptions.irpp.org/fr/2026/01/m...
Le rôle de la droite radicale dans la polarisation politique
États-Unis, Europe, Amérique latine : la montée de la droite radicale alimente une polarisation politique qui menace la démocratie.
policyoptions.irpp.org
New work on on Immigration attitudes, out in @irpp.org with @natashagoel.bsky.social We show dramatical increase in anti-immigration opinion in Canada over the past couple of years. Its very different than previous shifts like in 1990s...
IRPP@irpp.org · 8mo agoIn 2015, only 16% strongly agreed Canada had too much immigration. By 2024, that number doubled to 33%. This IRPP paper by @randybesco.bsky.social and @natashagoel.bsky.social reveals a striking reversal in Canadians’ views on immigration: centre.irpp.org/research-stu...
Michael M. Atkinson & Haizhen Mou: "Creating an independent fiscal council charged with designing fiscal rules and monitoring compliance would help restore discipline to Canada’s fiscal governance." policyoptions.irpp.org/2025/10/fede...
Fiscal rules and the return of discipline to Canada’s finances
An independent fiscal council could help Canada restore discipline, credibility and accountability in managing deficits and debt.
policyoptions.irpp.org
Wouldn't it be great if someone found a way to do a crisp English-language summary of the excellent @irpp.org report from @cbreton.bsky.social on the state of Quebec politics 30 years after the 1995 referendum? cdnsurveystuff.substack.com/p/federalist...
Federalist? Sovereigntist? Neither? What's going on?
Checking in on Quebec politics 30 years after the 1995 referendum
cdnsurveystuff.substack.com
Charles Breton@cbreton.bsky.social · 9mo agoNous publions aujourd'hui un rapport sur l'appui à la souveraineté du Québec (et bien d'autres sujets connexes!). Ce rapport fait partie de l'enquête annuelle "Confédération de demain". centre.irpp.org/fr/research-...
Nous publions aujourd'hui un rapport sur l'appui à la souveraineté du Québec (et bien d'autres sujets connexes!). Ce rapport fait partie de l'enquête annuelle "Confédération de demain". centre.irpp.org/fr/research-...
Trente ans après le référendum de 1995 : le Québec, le Canada et la question nationale - Centre of Excellence on the Canadian Federation
Positions nuancées sur la souveraineté : Environ un tiers des Québécois francophones se disent principalement souverainistes, un autre tiers principalement fédéralistes. La majorité des Québécois fran...
centre.irpp.org
Good stuff by Andrew.
Andrew Parkin@parkinac.bsky.social · 9mo agoThe Globe and Mail published a special editorial this Sunday on the alliance between the Quebec and Alberta governments in support of greater respect and autonomy for their provinces. I decided to weigh in. open.substack.com/pub/cdnsurve...