The Persian Blueprint? The Achaemenid Empire’s Legacy in Modern Multilevel Governance

Decentralization, Federalism, Intergovernmental Relations, Local Governance, Multilevel Governance, Provinces

Author: Sparsho Chakraborty – The Achaemenid Persian Empire ruled over an unprecedentedly vast and diverse territory. Its governance system combined centralized authority with regional autonomy through the satrapy system, allowing effective administration across its vast lands. This model, while rooted in monarchy, developed prototypical principles of decentralized regional administration which share similarities with modern federations, such as Canada.

Transparency in Canadian Housing under the Housing Partnership Framework

Canada, Decentralization, Federalism, Fiscal Federalism, Intergovernmental Relations, Political Autonomy, Provinces, Subnational Autonomy

Authors: Jennifer Wallner & Robert Breen – Housing in Canada is increasingly unaffordable. Between 2000 and 2019, the percentage increase of housing prices was approximately three times higher than the percentage increase of median nominal income (Zhu et al., 2023). Furthermore, between 2020 and 2022, housing prices rose by 30% (August 2022). While improvements are anticipated, the affordability crisis is detrimental for Canadians (CMHC, 2025a).

Federalism in the Digital Age: How Federal Structures in Germany and Canada Impact Digitalization Policy

Canada, digitalization, Education, Federalism, Germany, Health Care, Identity, Infrastructure, Provinces, Service Delivery, Subnational Autonomy, Technology

Author: Jella Ohnesorge – Digitalization policy is characterized by its dynamic development and cross-cutting qualities, as well as the fact that many countries are overwhelmed by it. During the COVID-19 pandemic it became very clear how important digital governance is and how beneficial effective digitalization policy can be for citizens and public administration alike.

Ontarians Need to See the Power of Their Own Government

Canada, Cities, Democracy, Education, Environment, Federalism, Fiscal Federalism, Health Care, Identity, Local Governance, Natural Resources, Ontario, Provinces, Service Delivery, Subnational Autonomy

Author: Jennifer Wallner – Another Ontario election has come and gone. And less than half the population noticed. In 2022, a sparse 4,701,959 people voted. With only 44.06% of eligible voters turning out, that election set the record for the lowest voter turnout ever in the province. This election, one where the province and Canada face real threats with devastating consequences from our closest ally, fared little better. Essentially, Ontarians issued a collective ‘meh’.