Consolidated as of April 17, 1982.

This collection contains a selection of papers presented a the very First All-European Canandian Studies Conference that took place in The Hague, October 24-27, 1990. This unique meeting took place for the first time in the history of Canadian Studies. The focus of the papers is on the future rather than the past and it took place at a moment in time when Canada went through major crises that raised serious doubts about the country s future. The papers of this volume explore the main issues and problems that Canada faces. The volume contains sections on demography, environmental problems, economic transformations, Canadian identity, political power structure, aboriginal issues and Canada s international relations. As a whole the book takes stock where Canada stands and where it is going.

As free trade talks continue uncertainly, as Ottawa and Washington toss protective tariffs at each other's goods, and as the provinces continue to disagree among themselves and with the federal government, the search for a national economic policy goes on. A critical element in that search is the balance between regional needs and federal priorities. Peter Leslie's interpretive essay provides a context in which to view the political and economic forces that make up that delicate balance, including those highlighted in the report of the Macdonald Commission. He discusses the nature of Canada's federal system and its relevance to policy, especially in the economic sphere, where differential effects among regions are often difficult to avoid. Leslie offers a thoughtful appraisal of a historically complex set of relationships and suggests the ways in which it will determine strategy in an area that will continue to occupy political centre-stage in Canada for some time to come.