Centre of Canadian Studies

Description

Abstract

Can democratic constitutions in multinational states stabilize after the trauma of a major secessionist challenge? The Canadian experience with Quebec nationalism shows they can, even when the underlying constitutional conflicts remain unresolved. In this talk, Professor McDougall draws on constitutional abeyance theory to demonstrate the leverage political elites have to preserve national unity by sidestepping deep political divisions rather than confronting them directly. The talk has particular relevance in the UK context in light of Labour Party’s recent endorsement of a program of major constitutional renovation to counter Scottish nationalism.

Bio

Andrew McDougall is an Assistant Professor in Canadian Politics at the University of Toronto Scarborough. He researches Canadian constitutional politics, federalism, intergovernmental relations, and Quebec nationalism. His work has appeared in the International Journal of Canadian Studies, Canadian Public Administration, Publius: The Journal of Federalism, and other journals. His most recent book is Sleeping Dogs: Quebec and the Stabilization of Canadian Federalism after 1995 (2023, UTP).