CANADIAN MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT IN AN AGE OF NEOLIBERALISM

This manuscript addresses three major themes confronting Canadian provinces and localities as Canada's provincial and local governments adjust to newly implemented federal policies aimed at eliminating the nation's fiscal ailments. Provincial mandates for greater local government productivity, the philosophy that less government equals “better” government, and the proper role of local governments in democratic governance and participation are explored. Findings suggest that measures taken in response to changes in federal policy militate against the tradition of democratic participation at the local level. Among these are the provincial laws calling for the consolidation of local governments. The result, it is argued, is the elimination of governmental units with which many citizens identified. Furthermore, the increased size in council districts changed the very nature of representation as it was once known and accepted.