Beyond federalism: The Kyoto protocol and multi-level governance in Canada

This thesis uses multi-level governance and win-sets to examine the effect of formal, informal and negotiation constraints placed on federal, provincial and municipal orders of government on implementing policy related to the Kyoto Protocol. Firstly, the theoretical and historical underpinnings of environmental policy approaches in this area are examined. Then, this work studies the formal and informal institutional constraints placed on governmental levels in Canadian politics. Finally, the negotiation relationships between all orders of government are mapped using a stag hunt game, which clearly illustrates the roles and powers of all orders of government. This thesis finds that the federal government will need provincial help in order to implement policies relating to the Kyoto Protocol, even if they could unilaterally ratify the agreement. In addition, the local order of government can play an important role in the policy process by acting as a bridge between conflicting provincial and federal interests.