In the decades' long debate over Canada's constitution few have considered the economic toll of change. What would be the cost to Canada if Quebec declared its independence? What would be the result of a radically decentralized federation?

This book considers constitutional reform in light of its economic impact. George Fallis analyzes the questions at the centre of Canada's ongoing constitutional debate and evaluates the options. He discusses the 1991 federal proposals, the Allaire Report, the Report of the Group of 22, and the Beaudoin-Dobbie Report. He examines the economic logic behind each approach and considers the consequences of sovereignty--both for Quebec and a reconfigured Canada.

Straightforward and informative, The Costs of Constitutional Change presents a clear analysis of what's at stake in the debates concerning Canada's constitution.

GEORGE FALLIS is the chair of economics at York University and an associate of the Institute for Policy Analysis, University of Toronto. He is author of seven books on Canadian public policy.

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