The Constitution in a hall of mirrors : Canada at 150 / David E. Smith.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Smith, David E., 1936-2023, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Canada. Parliament--Reform.

Canada.

Canada. Parliament.

Canada--Politics and government.

Politics and government.

Legislative bodies--Reform.

Physical Description:

xiv, 197 pages ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Toronto : University of Toronto Press, [2017]

Summary:

"Whether it's the first-past-the-post electoral system or partisan government appointees to the Senate, Canadians want better representation and accountability from the federal government. Before reforms can be enacted, however, it is important to explore and clarify the relationships among Canada's three parliamentary institutions: Crown, Senate, and Commons. In The Constitution in a Hall of Mirrors, David E. Smith presents a learned but accessible analysis of the interconnectedness of Canada's parliamentary institutions. Smith argues that Parliament is a unity comprised of three parts and any reforms made to one branch will, whether intended or not, affect the other branches. Through a timely, nuanced, and comprehensive examination of parliamentary debates, committee reports, legal scholarship, and comparative analysis of developments in the United Kingdom, Smith uncovers the substantial degree of ambiguity that exists among Canadians and their calls for structural and operational reforms. By illuminating the symbiotic relationship between the Crown, Senate, and Commons, The Constitution in a Hall of Mirrors brings government reform closer to reality."-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

1 Reflections 3

2 Refraction: The Crown 26

3 Redefinition: The Senate of Canada 49

4 Readjustment: The House of Commons 87

5 Reconsideration 112

6 Recapitulation 134.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 169-188) and index.

ISBN:

9781487502478

1487502478

9781487521981

1487521987

OCLC:

980675599