We're about to see a key vulnerability of Canadian federalism exposed. Major cities, upon which the country's prosperity depends, are highly constrained in their ability to raise funds. This isn't a municipal problem; it's a national problem. https://vancouversun.com/news/covid-19-city-of-vancouver-at-risk-of-bankruptcy-says-mayor
(And of course technically it's a provincial problem.)
It is absolutely, positively not just a Vancouver problem. https://twitter.com/fabulavancouver/status/1249520228943278080?s=19
Canada is a three-order-of-government state with a two-order-of-government constitution. Cities are responsible for delivery of many of the cities that matter most in citizens' daily lives, yet they have no formal status under the constitution.
Their powers of taxation and borrowing are only those the provinces deign to assign them. The result is an imbalance of capacity and responsibility, one which is in the process of being grievously, potentially disastrously exposed.
Provinces will have to respond quickly, and they will need federal help to do so.
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