This work investigates the fractured nature of Canadian national identity and the competing visions of federalism that challenge the country's political stability. Jeffrey Simpson, a veteran political journalist, curates a collection of essays from prominent Canadian figures to analyze the structural and ideological tensions inherent in the Canadian state. By examining diverse perspectives—from Indigenous rights to regional autonomy—the book provides a comprehensive overview of the forces pulling at the seams of the Canadian federation.

This collection serves as a primary source for understanding the political climate of early 1990s Canada, offering a high-level overview of the debates that defined the era. The text is suited for readers interested in constitutional history and the evolution of Canadian political thought.