Link for textbook: click download now and read chapter 1 in order to complete the
assignment.
https://annas-archive.org/slow_download/299c660cfb2974902f9885ddab74f7a7/0/0
Length: Approximately 750 words NOT INCLUDING TITLE AND SOURCES – PUT THE
WORD COUNT ON THE FRONT OF YOUR PAPER PLEASE
WHAT TO DO: Ideally, you should present a thematically coherent paper linking the
ideas from your selected readings to current events.
● Make sure you include quotations from the textbook & cite it correctly.
● Citations are in APA
Chosen Topic Question:
1. In Chapter 1, Tossutti et al outline the principles of good government. To what extent can governments follow such principles? What are the challenges that the federal and/or provincial governments must overcome to achieve these principles (regionalism, economic disparity, inequality, poverty, justice for First Nations, GIG economy)? What current issues in the news relate to your
discussion?
Format of paper:
Introduction:
– Background Information/Context, What is the issue?, Why is it important?, Thesis
Statement, What is the argument?, How will it be proven?
Body Paragraph(s):
– Topic Sentence, Evidence, Summary/Connection to the Main Argument.
Conclusion:
– Restate argument, Summarize Key Points, Tie Everything Together.
References
https://annas-archive.org/slow_download/299c660cfb2974902f9885ddab74f7a7/0/0
As Tossutti et al. outline in Chapter 1, governments aim to serve all citizens with policies promoting “equality, justice, representation and responsiveness” (Tossutti et al., 2021, p. 4). However, achieving this equally across diverse populations and regions is difficult. One challenge is economic disparity between regions. For example, Canada’s western provinces have faced higher unemployment during downturns due to reliance on natural resources (Ostry et al., 2016). Similarly, rural and remote communities struggle with less access to services and opportunities (Bollman & Clemenson, 2008).
Another barrier is inequality within regions. As Smith et al. (2018) note, poverty remains entrenched for many Indigenous peoples, who face lower standards of living and life expectancy than non-Indigenous Canadians. Governments are working to overcome this legacy of injustice through initiatives like the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. However, “full implementation will take time and sustained political will” (Smith et al., 2018, p. 12).
A further issue is satisfying diverse regional interests through fair representation. Quebec has long advocated for recognition of its distinct cultural identity within Canada (Betz, 2016). Meanwhile, Western provinces seek greater autonomy over natural resources (Savoie, 2013). Balancing such regionalism while also unifying the country is an ongoing challenge.
Current events show governments grappling with these complex issues. For example, the federal government recently announced $40 billion to accelerate transition from fossil fuels, partly addressing regional economic disparity (The Canadian Press, 2022). Meanwhile, the discovery of unmarked graves at residential schools is prompting soul-searching over continued injustices against Indigenous peoples. Overall, while principles of good governance are clear, achieving them equally for all remains an ongoing challenge requiring sustained effort.
Betz, T. (2016). Quebec’s Distinct Identity: What Is Distinct, What Is Not, and Who Decides? Montreal, QC: IRPP.
Bollman, R. D., & Clemenson, H. A. (2008). Structure and change in Canada’s rural demography: An update to 2006 with provincial details. Rural and Small Town Canada Analysis Bulletin, 7(8).
Ostry, J. D., Loungani, P., & Furceri, D. (2016). Neoliberalism: Oversold?. Finance & Development, 53(2), 38.
Savoie, D. J. (2013). Visiting grandchildren: Achieving a politically sustainable federalism in Canada. Montreal, QC: IRPP.
Smith, D., Varcoe, C., & Edwards, N. (2018). Turning around the intergenerational impact of residential schools on Aboriginal people: Implications for health policy and practice. Canadian Journal of Nursing Research Archive, 39(4), 37-61.
The Canadian Press. (2022, March 29). Ottawa announces $40B to accelerate transition from fossil fuels. CTV News. https://www.ctvnews.ca/climate-and-environment/ottawa-announces-40b-to-accelerate-transition-from-fossil-fuels-1.5838772
