Equal as citizens: the tumultuous and troubled history of a great Canadian idea

Description

Tupper's fight -- With friends like these... -- Maritime rights (and wrongs) -- Angus L. gives it a go -- A "square deal" delayed -- The politics of equalization -- The era of good intentions -- The backlash begins -- Entrenchment and retrenchment -- Gift horse or Trojan horse? -- Self help -- The pogey dilemma -- Equality or equal per capita? -- From bad to worse? -- Federalism by decree -- Taking stock: comparable services -- Taking stock: taxes and opportunities -- Changing the frame -- Parting shots.;No matter where they live, Canadians expect and receive equal benefits from their government when it comes to old age pensions, consular services when travelling abroad, and airline safety. Canadians also expect the same quality of education, medical care, and social benefits everywhere in the country. But when government services come from provinces and not Ottawa, differences in the quality of services can be enormous. Canada's provinces have equal responsibilities but very unequal means to pay for those responsibilities. The wealth gap between provinces has grown - and with it disparities in taxes and services available to citizens.