Jörg Broschek 🇨🇦
@jbroschek.bsky.social
Political Science Prof and Laurier Research Chair | Federalism/Multilevel Governance | Political Economy | (Active) Transportation and Infrastructure Policy | Kitchener/Waterloo Region
More at https://tinyurl.com/4pzjpykm
More at https://tinyurl.com/4pzjpykm
Pinned
Jörg Broschek 🇨🇦
@jbroschek.bsky.social
· Nov 12
Hello!
My research compares how governments address major policy challenges that cut across jurisdictions - from the local to the supranational level.
I currently work on
• trade + industrial policy
• transportation infrastructure policy
• local democratic governance
Recent op-ed contributions ⬇️
My research compares how governments address major policy challenges that cut across jurisdictions - from the local to the supranational level.
I currently work on
• trade + industrial policy
• transportation infrastructure policy
• local democratic governance
Recent op-ed contributions ⬇️
"The difference is the way Spain deploys public investment and immigration in timing and scale. Madrid takes a front-loaded approach [...]: it goes big, and goes early. In comparison, Canada tends to wait for crises and then tries to play catch-up."
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Opinion: Spain has become an economic leader by using Ottawa’s toolkit the right way
The once-flagging Spanish economy has been turbocharged by big infrastructure investments, the green-energy transition and immigration
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 27, 2025 at 1:22 PM
"The difference is the way Spain deploys public investment and immigration in timing and scale. Madrid takes a front-loaded approach [...]: it goes big, and goes early. In comparison, Canada tends to wait for crises and then tries to play catch-up."
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Reposted by Jörg Broschek 🇨🇦
If I were Guibeault, or other environmentally focused Liberal cabinet members, I think I'd be less worried about the pipeline (which is a longshot regardless of what's said tomorrow) than the possible gutting of other climate policies put in place under Trudeau. www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Carney's expected green light for oil pipeline causes unease in caucus and cabinet: sources | CBC News
With Prime Minister Mark Carney expected to lay out a path forward for an oil pipeline to northwest B.C. on Thursday, senior people around him have had to assuage skittish MPs and at least one cabinet...
www.cbc.ca
November 27, 2025 at 2:02 AM
If I were Guibeault, or other environmentally focused Liberal cabinet members, I think I'd be less worried about the pipeline (which is a longshot regardless of what's said tomorrow) than the possible gutting of other climate policies put in place under Trudeau. www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
“We believe in cooperative federalism”.
Maybe, but the PM doesn't seem to understand the concept. Because, in fact, the feds are practicing exactly the opposite.
On full display here is a textbook example of typical Canadian-style “competitive federalism”....
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
Maybe, but the PM doesn't seem to understand the concept. Because, in fact, the feds are practicing exactly the opposite.
On full display here is a textbook example of typical Canadian-style “competitive federalism”....
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
Mark Carney says hurdles remain as tensions rise over pipeline deal for Alberta
The prime minister said a memorandum of understanding with Alberta will set out "necessary conditions" for any federal greenlight to a new oil pipeline.
www.thestar.com
November 27, 2025 at 12:01 AM
“We believe in cooperative federalism”.
Maybe, but the PM doesn't seem to understand the concept. Because, in fact, the feds are practicing exactly the opposite.
On full display here is a textbook example of typical Canadian-style “competitive federalism”....
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
Maybe, but the PM doesn't seem to understand the concept. Because, in fact, the feds are practicing exactly the opposite.
On full display here is a textbook example of typical Canadian-style “competitive federalism”....
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
This entire theatre has nothing to do with "cooperative federalism". Either Ottawa doesn't understand how Canadian federalism works, or they are playing a purely tactical game by exploiting the institutional ambiguity entailed in the division of powers.
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Some B.C. Liberal MPs concerned about prospect of a new oil pipeline: sources | CBC News
With Prime Minister Mark Carney poised to sign a "grand bargain" with Alberta later this week, some B.C. Liberal MPs are raising concerns about Ottawa possibly giving the greenlight to a new oil pipel...
www.cbc.ca
November 26, 2025 at 12:52 PM
This entire theatre has nothing to do with "cooperative federalism". Either Ottawa doesn't understand how Canadian federalism works, or they are playing a purely tactical game by exploiting the institutional ambiguity entailed in the division of powers.
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Pandora's box:
"The MP also cast doubt on the idea of exempting Alberta from federal policies like the clean electricity regulations, suggesting that would prompt other provinces that oppose the policy — including Ontario and Saskatchewan — to demand the same thing."
"The MP also cast doubt on the idea of exempting Alberta from federal policies like the clean electricity regulations, suggesting that would prompt other provinces that oppose the policy — including Ontario and Saskatchewan — to demand the same thing."
Mark Carney says hurdles remain as tensions rise over pipeline deal for Alberta
Mark Carney says hurdles remain as tensions rise over pipeline deal for Alberta
The prime minister said a memorandum of understanding with Alberta will set out "necessary conditions" for any federal greenlight to a new oil pipeline.
www.thestar.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Pandora's box:
"The MP also cast doubt on the idea of exempting Alberta from federal policies like the clean electricity regulations, suggesting that would prompt other provinces that oppose the policy — including Ontario and Saskatchewan — to demand the same thing."
"The MP also cast doubt on the idea of exempting Alberta from federal policies like the clean electricity regulations, suggesting that would prompt other provinces that oppose the policy — including Ontario and Saskatchewan — to demand the same thing."
Reposted by Jörg Broschek 🇨🇦
Carney’s approach here is very much in keeping with an observation Paul Wells made back in the summer, that he’s focused on short-term deliverables, not long-term governance challenges.
The problem is, neglecting and failing to improve governance will leave Canada with weaker foundations.
The problem is, neglecting and failing to improve governance will leave Canada with weaker foundations.
So the PM intended to inform B.C.'s premier once the negotiations with Alberta have been finalized?
Nation-building promised, sausage-making delivered.
Regardless of whether this pipeline will ever be built, the process itself is profoundly damaging.
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Nation-building promised, sausage-making delivered.
Regardless of whether this pipeline will ever be built, the process itself is profoundly damaging.
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Carney and Smith to unveil energy deal in Calgary Thursday, source says
B.C. Premier says he spoke with Carney about concerns over potential oil pipeline
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Carney’s approach here is very much in keeping with an observation Paul Wells made back in the summer, that he’s focused on short-term deliverables, not long-term governance challenges.
The problem is, neglecting and failing to improve governance will leave Canada with weaker foundations.
The problem is, neglecting and failing to improve governance will leave Canada with weaker foundations.
So the PM intended to inform B.C.'s premier once the negotiations with Alberta have been finalized?
Nation-building promised, sausage-making delivered.
Regardless of whether this pipeline will ever be built, the process itself is profoundly damaging.
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Nation-building promised, sausage-making delivered.
Regardless of whether this pipeline will ever be built, the process itself is profoundly damaging.
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Carney and Smith to unveil energy deal in Calgary Thursday, source says
B.C. Premier says he spoke with Carney about concerns over potential oil pipeline
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:10 PM
So the PM intended to inform B.C.'s premier once the negotiations with Alberta have been finalized?
Nation-building promised, sausage-making delivered.
Regardless of whether this pipeline will ever be built, the process itself is profoundly damaging.
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Nation-building promised, sausage-making delivered.
Regardless of whether this pipeline will ever be built, the process itself is profoundly damaging.
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Reposted by Jörg Broschek 🇨🇦
But EUrope still lacks a sustained strategy, better coordination of bilateral support structures and a plan for integrating 🇺🇦 in established or new institutionalized European security frameworks which would have also strengthend EUrope's bargaing power vis-à-vis Trump erratic politics. /3
November 22, 2025 at 11:53 AM
But EUrope still lacks a sustained strategy, better coordination of bilateral support structures and a plan for integrating 🇺🇦 in established or new institutionalized European security frameworks which would have also strengthend EUrope's bargaing power vis-à-vis Trump erratic politics. /3
Smith's concept of cooperative federalism: meet my unconditional demands or unleash an unprecedented national unity crisis.
Everyone has their own version of Team Canada.
Everyone has their own version of Team Canada.
November 22, 2025 at 1:22 AM
Smith's concept of cooperative federalism: meet my unconditional demands or unleash an unprecedented national unity crisis.
Everyone has their own version of Team Canada.
Everyone has their own version of Team Canada.
We’ve been here before. Hugh Thorburn (1984) on industrial strategy:
“It must be emphasized that the cooperative efforts that have been undertaken to date are positive achievements….However, it must be recognized that this is essentially an ad hoc approach with no particular plan or purpose.”
“It must be emphasized that the cooperative efforts that have been undertaken to date are positive achievements….However, it must be recognized that this is essentially an ad hoc approach with no particular plan or purpose.”
November 21, 2025 at 8:37 PM
We’ve been here before. Hugh Thorburn (1984) on industrial strategy:
“It must be emphasized that the cooperative efforts that have been undertaken to date are positive achievements….However, it must be recognized that this is essentially an ad hoc approach with no particular plan or purpose.”
“It must be emphasized that the cooperative efforts that have been undertaken to date are positive achievements….However, it must be recognized that this is essentially an ad hoc approach with no particular plan or purpose.”
Probably he would have to go all the way back to Pearson for best practice.
And/or look into some findings from comparative federalism research.
And/or look into some findings from comparative federalism research.
I mean, fed-prov relations are messy by nature. But I’m not sure it helps when PMs (he’s not the first) are guided largely by a desire to prove they can do it better than their predecessors, and are disinterested in learning from those predecessors’ experiences.
November 21, 2025 at 2:49 AM
Probably he would have to go all the way back to Pearson for best practice.
And/or look into some findings from comparative federalism research.
And/or look into some findings from comparative federalism research.
Everything the premier says here should be part of a collaborative intergovernmental decision-making process.
Within a reformed First Ministers Conference.
Deliberations in public whenever possible. Indigenous representatives with seat at the table.
A meaningful contribution to "nation-building".
Within a reformed First Ministers Conference.
Deliberations in public whenever possible. Indigenous representatives with seat at the table.
A meaningful contribution to "nation-building".
British Columbians know our coast and the opportunities it can unlock better than anybody else.
We need to be at table to protect our coast, unlock prosperity and ensure a bright future for all Canadians.
We need to be at table to protect our coast, unlock prosperity and ensure a bright future for all Canadians.
November 21, 2025 at 1:46 AM
Everything the premier says here should be part of a collaborative intergovernmental decision-making process.
Within a reformed First Ministers Conference.
Deliberations in public whenever possible. Indigenous representatives with seat at the table.
A meaningful contribution to "nation-building".
Within a reformed First Ministers Conference.
Deliberations in public whenever possible. Indigenous representatives with seat at the table.
A meaningful contribution to "nation-building".
Reposted by Jörg Broschek 🇨🇦
Very happy that my paper on the future of US trade policy, co-authored with Alessia Invernizzi, is part of this special issue
Our online special issue, The Future of Global Governance and World Order, is out!
It features 15 short essays plus the editors' introduction, all #OpenAccess.
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
#IOFoGG
It features 15 short essays plus the editors' introduction, all #OpenAccess.
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
#IOFoGG
November 20, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Very happy that my paper on the future of US trade policy, co-authored with Alessia Invernizzi, is part of this special issue
Regardless of the pipeline question itself, the process + language is telling:
“Carney and Smith are personally brokering this deal, the federal official said”.
This may align with governing in econometrics, but it’s certainly not nation-building through deliberation.
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
“Carney and Smith are personally brokering this deal, the federal official said”.
This may align with governing in econometrics, but it’s certainly not nation-building through deliberation.
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Carney, Smith moving closer to a deal that could include B.C. oil pipeline: source | CBC News
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith are moving closer to reaching a deal on the future of Alberta's energy sector, according to a senior government official, and that memoran...
www.cbc.ca
November 19, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Regardless of the pipeline question itself, the process + language is telling:
“Carney and Smith are personally brokering this deal, the federal official said”.
This may align with governing in econometrics, but it’s certainly not nation-building through deliberation.
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
“Carney and Smith are personally brokering this deal, the federal official said”.
This may align with governing in econometrics, but it’s certainly not nation-building through deliberation.
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Very troubling. And hard not to see certain general similarities between Canada and the EU.
Unlike Trump 1.0, Trump 2.0 is poised to get what he wants.
This is also a consequence of the "politics as deal-making", instead of treating him as a collective action problem.
Unlike Trump 1.0, Trump 2.0 is poised to get what he wants.
This is also a consequence of the "politics as deal-making", instead of treating him as a collective action problem.
The EU is coming under enormous pressure right now to scrap the carbon border levy scheduled to take effect on 1 January.
But without CBAM, there is no functioning EU ETS. And without ETS, there is no EU climate policy.
#COP30 #Belem #UNFCCC
But without CBAM, there is no functioning EU ETS. And without ETS, there is no EU climate policy.
#COP30 #Belem #UNFCCC
Trump is unravelling the EU's climate plans
The EU was able to save global climate efforts during Trump's first term. But now European leaders are throwing in the towel, and even cancelling EU climate legislation at America's demand.
open.substack.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Very troubling. And hard not to see certain general similarities between Canada and the EU.
Unlike Trump 1.0, Trump 2.0 is poised to get what he wants.
This is also a consequence of the "politics as deal-making", instead of treating him as a collective action problem.
Unlike Trump 1.0, Trump 2.0 is poised to get what he wants.
This is also a consequence of the "politics as deal-making", instead of treating him as a collective action problem.
Imagine the PM + premiers would not have to “agree” to meet regularly, or express their "intent" to meet in-person:
“The Prime Minister and the premiers agreed to meet regularly, with the intent to meet in person in the new year.”
They would meet b/c it is institutionalized.
shorturl.at/ED9jp
“The Prime Minister and the premiers agreed to meet regularly, with the intent to meet in person in the new year.”
They would meet b/c it is institutionalized.
shorturl.at/ED9jp
Prime Minister Carney concludes First Ministers’ Meeting
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met virtually with provincial and territorial premiers. The Prime Minister updated the premiers on the government’s work to transform the Canadian economy – fro...
shorturl.at
November 17, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Imagine the PM + premiers would not have to “agree” to meet regularly, or express their "intent" to meet in-person:
“The Prime Minister and the premiers agreed to meet regularly, with the intent to meet in person in the new year.”
They would meet b/c it is institutionalized.
shorturl.at/ED9jp
“The Prime Minister and the premiers agreed to meet regularly, with the intent to meet in person in the new year.”
They would meet b/c it is institutionalized.
shorturl.at/ED9jp
The first First Ministers' Meeting since August 6 (also held virtually) seems to enjoy very high priority.
*High performance* executive federalism: Probably done in less than 3 hours.
*High performance* executive federalism: Probably done in less than 3 hours.
November 17, 2025 at 3:17 PM
The first First Ministers' Meeting since August 6 (also held virtually) seems to enjoy very high priority.
*High performance* executive federalism: Probably done in less than 3 hours.
*High performance* executive federalism: Probably done in less than 3 hours.
Reposted by Jörg Broschek 🇨🇦
It's kind of hard to look at decisions like this writ large across the West right now, and not feel like we are actively choosing to fuel (ha) our own decline. It's hard to look at what China is doing with clean energy on a scale never seen and think, yeah, we're better positioned for the future.
German taxpayers are handing BMW €273m to once again attempt to push hydrogen-powered cars, when battery prices have once again dropped >50% in the past ~18 month and CATL is on its 5th-gen LFP battery.
CATL, BYD et al must be laughing all the way to the bank.
Sigh.
www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/w...
CATL, BYD et al must be laughing all the way to the bank.
Sigh.
www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/w...
Wasserstoff-Autos: BMW erhält staatliche Förderung zur Entwicklung
Hat der Einsatz von Wasserstoff eine Zukunft bei der Autoentwicklung? BMW glaubt nach wie vor daran. Jetzt erhält der Konzern eine staatliche Förderung für die Weiterentwicklung der Technologie.
www.spiegel.de
November 16, 2025 at 8:32 PM
It's kind of hard to look at decisions like this writ large across the West right now, and not feel like we are actively choosing to fuel (ha) our own decline. It's hard to look at what China is doing with clean energy on a scale never seen and think, yeah, we're better positioned for the future.
And not only the auto sector. But this would require moving from industrial policies to real industrial strategy: I.e. an honest, encompassing analysis of sectoral viability and corresponding policy needs to facilitate a long-term, fair transition of Canada's established socio-economic model.
It would lead to a very serious, incredibly difficult conversation about the future of the auto sector, and long-term planning for an economy that doesn’t look like it does today.
November 16, 2025 at 7:50 PM
And not only the auto sector. But this would require moving from industrial policies to real industrial strategy: I.e. an honest, encompassing analysis of sectoral viability and corresponding policy needs to facilitate a long-term, fair transition of Canada's established socio-economic model.
Reposted by Jörg Broschek 🇨🇦
Colleagues and I have been promoting the need for a Royal Commission on the future of Canada’s economy for the better part of a year. That many are only now starting to realize that the US *really* isn’t interested in economic cooperation highlights the need for this vital national conversation.
Open letter to the next prime minister: We need a royal commission on Canada’s future
(Version française disponible ici) Sign up for A Stronger Canada for The Trump Era. A temporary newsletter with the latest Canada-U.S. analyses from Policy Options. There is no longer any room for dou...
policyoptions.irpp.org
November 16, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Colleagues and I have been promoting the need for a Royal Commission on the future of Canada’s economy for the better part of a year. That many are only now starting to realize that the US *really* isn’t interested in economic cooperation highlights the need for this vital national conversation.
Reposted by Jörg Broschek 🇨🇦
A comprehensive trade and security deal with the US was never, ever possible: an ongoing series.
It is frustrating that this basic point is only now starting to become the conventional wisdom, a full year (actually, seven years) after governments had all the facts necessary to reach this conclusion.
It is frustrating that this basic point is only now starting to become the conventional wisdom, a full year (actually, seven years) after governments had all the facts necessary to reach this conclusion.
Opinion: U.S. use of poison pills in Asian trade deals signals trouble for Canada in USMCA renegotiations
Restrictive provisions are intended to give Washington an economic edge against Beijing
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 16, 2025 at 12:16 PM
A comprehensive trade and security deal with the US was never, ever possible: an ongoing series.
It is frustrating that this basic point is only now starting to become the conventional wisdom, a full year (actually, seven years) after governments had all the facts necessary to reach this conclusion.
It is frustrating that this basic point is only now starting to become the conventional wisdom, a full year (actually, seven years) after governments had all the facts necessary to reach this conclusion.
Reposted by Jörg Broschek 🇨🇦
You are absolutely right Mr. Carney that great cities need great public transit. That's why your government should fund ION light rail to connect Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge across the great rivers that divide them (Grand River, Speed River, Highway 401)
But seriously please fund ION expansion
But seriously please fund ION expansion
The REM is essential infrastructure — an automated light metro system across Greater Montréal that will connect more and more of the city as it grows.
Great cities have great public transit, and that’s what we’re investing to build more of across Canada in Budget 2025.
Great cities have great public transit, and that’s what we’re investing to build more of across Canada in Budget 2025.
November 15, 2025 at 3:06 AM
You are absolutely right Mr. Carney that great cities need great public transit. That's why your government should fund ION light rail to connect Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge across the great rivers that divide them (Grand River, Speed River, Highway 401)
But seriously please fund ION expansion
But seriously please fund ION expansion
Reposted by Jörg Broschek 🇨🇦
What a terrible time to be capable of imagination.
November 15, 2025 at 12:52 PM
What a terrible time to be capable of imagination.
Reposted by Jörg Broschek 🇨🇦
MAGA wants to destroy the German conservatives / Christian Democrats. They are aiming for regime change. www.politico.eu/article/larg...
Large far-right German delegation to visit Washington, Trump ally says
The invitation to the capital comes as Alternative for Germany politicians seek to build closer ties to the U.S. government.
www.politico.eu
November 15, 2025 at 11:26 AM
MAGA wants to destroy the German conservatives / Christian Democrats. They are aiming for regime change. www.politico.eu/article/larg...