The problem I see is that "If" the federal government wanted to undermine the provincial governments then one way to do that would be to approach the cities, which the constitution identifies as provincial responsibilities, and convert them into clients of the federal government or third levels of government.
Given that most people in the provinces live in cities that would tend to delegitimize the provinces by reducing their popular support and legitimize the federal and municipal governments.
American echoes - The Electoral College, the Senate and the State Houses are in constant tension with the Federal Government who appeals to the cities and the popular vote.
Our Prime Minister has made no secret of his disdain for the Provinces and has explicitly courted the cities to make an end run around the provinces.
In my view Danielle Smith has just made it clear that she accepts responsibility for the operations of the cities as characterized by the constitution.
If Trudeau wants the relationship with the cities that he seems to want then the correct response would be to change the constitution and raise some or all of the cities to the status of additional provinces.
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As noted the federal government claims the ability to govern the governments of the provinces. Smith is merely claiming the same ground for her province. She would be remiss in her duties if she allowed a criminal enterprise to operate as the government of one of her cities. This makes explicit that she has the tools to manage that situation.
The Chestermere case is top of mind.
Premier Danielle Smith's government is being urged to remove what some Chestermere residents say is a dysfunctional city council.
calgaryherald.com
A Court of King's Bench ruling clears the way for Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver to fire Chestermere's council and top bureaucrats.
calgaryherald.com
And the problem is not unique to Alberta