Overview

In 1861, just a few years before Confederation, 84 per cent of Canadians lived in rural areas; today, it’s less than 20 per cent. Our municipal governments are asked to do more for their citizens than ever before, yet they must confront myriad challenges – from the public health pandemic to the housing crisis – without the tools they need. They have no constitutional protection from jurisdictional overstepping by provincial governments and no assurance that they will be able to complete any effort they undertake. The Past, Present, and Future of Canadian Cities explores the historical functions of municipalities, their current ability to tackle major problems, and what the future holds for shifting legal and political powers. This volume examines how pre-Confederation cities came to have their current constitutional and legislative forms; how current local governments make decisions within existing legal parameters, highlighting Indigenous-municipal relationships and emergency management; and, finally, looks to the world to investigate future innovation in municipal governance. The Past, Present, and Future of Canadian Cities makes the case that constitutional concepts must be repurposed to support the transition from nation-building to city-building in a global context.

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9780228022329

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Reviews

“An important volume, containing practical and illuminating contributions for public servants as well as scholars. There is considerable interest in these topics, locally and globally.” David Miller, author of Solved: How the World’s Great Cities are Solving the Climate Crisis “This ambitious and timely volume counters the continued invisibility of cities in constitutional orders and thought. *The Past, Present, and Future of Canadian Cities *is completely unique and will have a wide appeal.” Graham Hudson, Toronto Metropolitan University

Author Information

Alexandra Flynn is associate professor in the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia. Richard Albert is William Stamps Farish Professor in Law, professor of government, and director of constitutional studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Nathalie Des Rosiers is a judge of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

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