Intergovernmental policy lessons from Canada: Paying the piper and calling the tune

In 1996 the Council of Australian Governments proposed transferring aged care community and residential programs to the States. This transfer of responsibility would have involved a reduced role for the Commonwealth Government. The Canadian Federal Government recently made unprecedented changes to the nature of intergovernmental arrangements with Provinces and Territories in respect to the policy domains of health, welfare and post-secondary education. This study examines recent intergovernmental reforms in Canada and highlights trends and concerns which may be of relevance to the provision of aged care policies and programs in Australia