The Political Options

In January 1940, the final report of the Royal Commission on Dominion–Provincial Relations had recognized the financial strength of the federal government and the constitutional responsibilities of the provinces and had recommended that, rather than conditional grants, constitutional amendments be considered for projects of national importance. This prompted great opposition from large provinces such as Ontario and Quebec, but there was unanimous agreement to ask the British Parliament to approve a constitutional amendment creating a national unemployment system. For Mackenzie and his staff, this development suggested a model for the creation of a national health insurance plan. But would similar conditions prevail in the area of health?