JOURNAL ARTICLE

Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Public Policy Research, and Fiscal Federalism in Canada: Bringing Together Economics, Law, and Political Science.

  • Published In: Canadian Public Policy, 2024, v. 50, n. S1. P. 24 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Béland, Daniel; Lecours, André; MacDonnell, Vanessa; Oliver, Peter; Tombe, Trevor 3 of 3

Abstract

The article examines the value of interdisciplinary collaboration among economics, law, and political science in studying fiscal federalism in Canada, emphasizing how these disciplines complement each other to provide a more comprehensive understanding of policy realities and solutions. Economics contributes analytical frameworks and quantitative tools essential for assessing fiscal arrangements and equalization policies; law focuses on constitutional and legal foundations, including the interpretation of section 36 of the Constitution Act, 1982, which entrenches equalization; and political science analyzes power dynamics, institutions, and governance structures influencing fiscal federalism and intergovernmental relations. The authors discuss two policy options—incorporating expenditure needs into the equalization formula and creating an arm’s-length fiscal commission—highlighting the legal, economic, and political considerations each entails. Overall, the article advocates for pragmatic interdisciplinary teams tailored to specific policy areas to enhance public policy research and formulation in complex federal systems like Canada’s.

Additional Information

  • Source:Canadian Public Policy. 2024/05, Vol. 50, Issue S1, p24
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Business and Management
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:0317-0861
  • DOI:10.3138/cpp.2023-041
  • Accession Number:177090980
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