In the recent referendum, the Oui side argued that Canada no longer would provide good social programs and that only an independent Quebec would support a strong social security system.  The current decentralization of social programs worked against Canadian unity in the last referendum; why would more decentralization be a big winner in the next referendum?  The way to win the next referendum is to show that a united Canada can provide better social programs.  This is not achieved through slogans about ‘decentralization’ or ‘centralization.’  For some programs, decentralization makes sense; others should be centralized; and for still others, responsibility should be shared.  For example, labour market development programs, such as training and job placement, should be decentralized; Unemployment Insurance should remain federally administered; and both levels of government should remain involved in medicare.

ISBN – 1-895796-47-4