IGNOU MPSE-009 Solved Question Paper PDF Download

IGNOU MPSE-009 Previous Year Solved Question Paper in Hindi

IGNOU MPSE-009 Previous Year Solved Question Paper in English

Q1. How is independence of the judiciary maintained in Canada ? What is its importance ?

Ans. The independence of the judiciary in Canada is a foundational principle of democracy and the rule of law. It ensures that judges can make decisions impartially, without external pressure, particularly from the executive and legislative branches of government. This independence is maintained through several constitutional and conventional mechanisms.

Mechanisms for Maintaining Judicial Independence:

• Constitutional Security: The Constitution Act, 1867 provides for the security of tenure for judges of superior courts. They can only be removed by the Governor General on a joint address from both the House of Commons and the Senate, and only on proven grounds of misbehaviour or incapacity.
• Security of Tenure: Judges hold their office until the age of 75, which insulates them from political pressure or fear of losing their position. This allows them the freedom to rule on controversial cases without fear or favour.
• Financial Security: The salaries and pensions of judges are set by Parliament and cannot be arbitrarily reduced by the executive branch. This prevents any attempt to influence judicial decisions through financial leverage.
• Appointment Process: The appointment of federal judges is managed through a merit-based process involving independent Judicial Advisory Committees. These committees screen candidates and provide recommendations to the government, reducing the potential for political patronage.
• The Canadian Judicial Council: The Canadian Judicial Council, composed of all chief justices and associate chief justices, oversees the conduct of judges. This body investigates complaints against judges and can recommend disciplinary action, thus ensuring accountability and integrity from within the judiciary itself.

Importance of Judicial Independence:

Judicial independence is critically important to Canada’s political system.

First, it upholds the

rule of law

, ensuring that everyone, including the government, is subject to the law. Second, it protects the

rights and freedoms of citizens

, especially under the

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

(1982). An independent judiciary can strike down government actions that violate citizens’ constitutional rights.

Third, it acts as an

impartial arbiter

in disputes between the federal and provincial governments. In Canada’s federal system, conflicts over the division of powers are common, and an independent judiciary is essential to resolve these disputes. Finally, it maintains public confidence in the justice system, which is essential for a stable and functional democracy.

Q2. Discuss the reforms undertaken at the local self-government level.

Ans. In Canada, local self-government, also known as municipal government, constitutionally falls under the jurisdiction of the provinces. They are often referred to as “creatures of the provinces.” However, in recent decades, significant reforms have been undertaken at the local self-government level, driven by urbanization, economic globalization, and growing local demands.

These reforms aim to increase efficiency, improve governance, and better equip cities to handle 21st-century challenges. Key reforms include:

1. Municipal Amalgamation: In an effort to increase efficiency and reduce the duplication of services, many provinces have merged smaller municipalities into larger “megacities.” The most prominent example is the amalgamation of Toronto in 1998, where six municipalities and a regional government were merged into a single City of Toronto. Similar amalgamations have occurred in Ottawa, Hamilton, and Montreal. The goal was cost savings, better service coordination, and stronger regional planning, although the results remain debated.

2. Fiscal Reform and Revenue Sources: Traditionally, municipalities have been heavily reliant on property taxes. Reforms have sought to diversify their revenue sources. Some cities now receive a share of revenue from other taxes, such as the gas tax, land transfer tax, or sales taxes. Movements like the “New Deal for Cities” call for more stable and substantial funding from federal and provincial governments to allow cities to meet their growing responsibilities, such as infrastructure, public transit, and social housing.

3. City Charters and Increased Autonomy: Some larger cities have secured special “City Charters” from their provincial governments to address their unique needs. These charters grant them powers and flexibility beyond those permitted by general municipal acts. The Vancouver Charter, for example, gives the city additional powers in certain matters. This reform reflects the recognition that large cities are complex economic and social hubs that require more self-governance.

4. Changes in Governance Structure: Some municipalities have experimented with their governance structures. This includes enhancing the powers of directly elected mayors (strong-mayor system) or changing the structure of ward systems and committees. The aim is to increase accountability and streamline decision-making.

Despite these reforms, Canadian cities still face significant challenges. They are often subordinate to provincial priorities and struggle with inadequate funding. Their constitutional status as “creatures of the provinces” limits their autonomy, and there is an ongoing debate about giving local governments a more formal place in national decision-making.

Q3. “Political parties in Canada are not ideology-based.” Comment.

Ans. The statement that “Political parties in Canada are not ideology-based” is a common observation that highlights a key feature of Canadian politics, but it is also an oversimplification. Canadian parties, especially the Liberals and Conservatives, have traditionally been “brokerage parties” or “catch-all parties” that seek to gain power by mediating between various regional, cultural, and economic interests, rather than by adhering to rigid ideological principles.

Characteristics of Brokerage Politics:

• Pragmatism and Flexibility: Canadian parties often tailor their policies to the changing demands and circumstances of the electorate. Their main goal is to win elections, and to do so, they are ideologically flexible to appeal to the widest possible voter base.
• Regional Brokerage: Canada is a vast and regionally diverse country. Successful national parties must balance different regional interests, such as Quebec nationalism, western alienation, Atlantic Canada’s economic concerns, and Ontario’s industrial base. This often leads to prioritizing pragmatism over ideological purity.
• Centrist Tendency: In the quest for power, both the Liberal and Conservative parties tend to gravitate towards the centre of the political spectrum. The Liberal Party is traditionally seen as the quintessential centrist brokerage party, leaning left or right as needed.

The Existence of Ideology:

However, it would be incorrect to say that ideology has no role. Ideological differences do exist, even if they are less pronounced than in many European systems:

• The Conservative Party: This party has a centre-right orientation. It generally supports lower taxes, balanced budgets, free-market policies, and a strong law-and-order approach. On social issues, it also has a socially conservative faction.
• The Liberal Party: As a centre-left party, the Liberals champion social programs (like healthcare), multiculturalism, and individual rights (the Charter of Rights). They generally accept a market-based economy but also support government intervention to provide a social safety net.
• The New Democratic Party (NDP): This is Canada’s most clearly ideology-based national party, rooted in a social democratic tradition. The NDP advocates for expanding public healthcare, workers’ rights, promoting social and economic equality, and strong government action for environmental protection.
• The Bloc Québécois: This party is based entirely on a single ideology – Quebec sovereignty and the defence of Quebec’s interests in the Canadian Parliament.

In conclusion, while Canadian political parties, particularly the two main ones, are not bound by rigid ideological frameworks and largely practice brokerage politics, there are clear ideological leanings and differences among them. They are not ideology-free, but rather their ideology is often subordinate to the practical necessities of winning power and governing a diverse country.

Q4. Discuss the ideology and issues in Anti-globalization Movement.

Ans. The anti-globalization movement in Canada, often called the global justice movement or alter-globalization movement, is a broad coalition of diverse groups that oppose various aspects of neo-liberal globalization . The movement rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, symbolized by the 1999 protests against the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Seattle, in which Canadian activists played a significant role.

Ideology: The movement does not have a single, unified ideology but is a convergence of several ideological streams. However, some common themes unite it:

• Opposition to Neoliberalism: The central ideology is a critique of neoliberalism, which emphasizes free markets, deregulation, privatization, and trade liberalization. Critics argue these policies increase corporate power, undermine the sovereignty of governments, and exacerbate social inequality.
• Critique of Corporate Power: Activists are critical of the growing power and influence of multinational corporations. They argue that these corporations operate without democratic accountability, violate human rights and environmental standards, and force governments to shape policies to their benefit.
• Opposition to International Financial Institutions: Institutions like the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Trade Organization (WTO) are key targets of the movement. They are accused of being undemocratic, imposing harmful structural adjustment programs on developing nations, and promoting corporate interests.
• Global Justice and Equity: A positive aspect of the movement is encapsulated in the slogan “Another World is Possible.” It advocates for more just and sustainable systems at a global level, including fair trade, debt relief, and the protection of human rights and the environment.

Key Issues:

The main issues raised by the anti-globalization movement in Canada are as follows:

1. Environmental Degradation: Activists argue that free trade agreements, such as NAFTA, weaken environmental protection laws as corporations seek to avoid countries with stricter regulations. They blame corporate activities for the over-exploitation of natural resources and climate change.
2. Labour Rights and Jobs: They believe globalization promotes a “race to the bottom,” where companies move production to countries with low wages and weak labour protections, leading to job losses in developed countries like Canada and the exploitation of workers in developing countries.
3. Erosion of National Sovereignty: The movement argues that international trade agreements limit the ability of national and local governments to make decisions in the interest of their citizens, particularly in areas like health, education, and the environment.
4. Social Programs: Critics fear that pressures from tax competition and neoliberal austerity will lead to cuts in cherished Canadian social programs like universal healthcare and education.

In Canada, the movement has manifested in large-scale protests against summits like the G7/G8, G20 (such as in Toronto in 2010), and the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA).

Q5. Write short notes on the following in about 200 words each : (a) Bloc Quebecois (b) Agriculture in Canada’s economy

Ans. (a) Bloc Québécois The Bloc Québécois is a federal political party that contests elections only in the province of Quebec. Founded in 1991, its primary and sole objective is to promote Quebec sovereignty and to defend the interests of Quebec within Canada’s Parliament in Ottawa.

The party emerged from the failure of the Meech Lake Accord , which was designed to recognize Quebec as a “distinct society” within the Canadian constitution. Its failure fuelled separatist sentiment in Quebec. Several Quebec MPs from the Progressive Conservative and Liberal parties, led by Lucien Bouchard, left their parties to form the Bloc Québécois.

At the federal level, the Bloc’s purpose is to create the conditions for sovereignty and to ensure that federal laws and policies respect Quebec’s jurisdiction. In the 1993 federal election, it had a spectacular showing, winning 54 seats and becoming the Official Opposition . Its electoral success has fluctuated since then, rising and falling with the popularity of the sovereignty movement in Quebec. Even though it does not intend to govern Canada, it has often held the balance of power in the House of Commons, making it an influential player during minority governments.

(b) Agriculture in Canada’s economy Agriculture is a vital and dynamic sector of the Canadian economy, even though its direct share of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is relatively small (about 1.7%). The agri-food system, which includes food processing and beverage manufacturing, has a much larger overall economic impact, contributing around 7.4% of GDP and providing employment for millions of Canadians.

Canada is one of the world’s largest agricultural producers and exporters. The country’s vast landmass and diverse climates support a wide variety of agricultural activities. The Prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) are known for producing grains and oilseeds like wheat, barley, canola, and pulses. Ontario and Quebec are dominated by dairy farming, corn, soybeans, and horticulture, while British Columbia is significant for fruit, vegetable, and wine production.

A key feature of Canadian agriculture is the “supply management” system, which regulates the dairy, poultry, and egg industries. This system ensures stable incomes for farmers through production quotas and price controls, but it also results in higher prices for consumers and is a contentious issue in international trade negotiations.

The sector is technologically advanced and relies heavily on innovation. However, it also faces challenges such as climate change, international trade disputes, labour shortages, and the volatility of global markets.

Q6. Write a note on Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism.

Ans. The Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism , often referred to as the B&B Commission, was a pivotal milestone in Canadian history. It was established in 1963 by the Liberal government of Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson. Its formation was a response to the growing nationalism in Quebec during the Quiet Revolution and the widespread feeling that French-speaking Canadians were not being treated as equal partners in the Canadian Confederation.

Mandate and Purpose: The commission’s mandate was “to inquire into and report upon the existing state of bilingualism and biculturalism in Canada and to recommend what steps should be taken to develop the Canadian Confederation on the basis of an equal partnership between the two founding races.” It conducted a sweeping investigation into the relationship between the English- and French-speaking communities, covering areas such as language use in government, education, and the economy. The commission was co-chaired by André Laurendeau, a prominent Quebec journalist, and Davidson Dunton, the president of Carleton University in Ottawa.

Key Recommendations and Impact: The commission issued several reports between 1967 and 1970, making landmark recommendations that had a profound impact on Canada’s language and culture policy:

• Official Languages: The most significant recommendation was that English and French be recognized as the official languages of the federal government throughout Canada. This recommendation led directly to the passage of the Official Languages Act of 1969 . This act gave English and French equal status in federal courts, Parliament, and the federal civil service.
• Education: The commission recommended expanding opportunities for education in both French and English across Canada, including minority language education rights.
• Bilingual Districts: It proposed the creation of bilingual districts in areas where there was a significant proportion of the minority language population.
• Multiculturalism: While the commission’s focus was on the “two founding races,” it also acknowledged the contributions of other ethnic groups. This indirectly paved the way for the adoption of the policy of “multiculturalism within a bilingual framework” in 1971, acknowledging that Canada was not bicultural, but multicultural.

The B&B Commission played a transformative role in shaping modern Canadian identity. It helped to redefine Canada as a bilingual and, later, multicultural nation, and represented a concrete effort to address the grievances of French Canadians and keep Quebec within the Canadian federation.

Q7. Describe the factors that lead to decentralization and provincialism in Canada.

Ans. Canada is known for its highly decentralized federal system, in which the provinces possess significant autonomy and power. This decentralization and the accompanying sense of strong provincial identity, known as provincialism , are the result of several interconnected factors.

1. Constitutional Factors (Constitution Act, 1867): Canada’s constitution, particularly Section 92, allocates a host of significant powers to the provinces. These include healthcare, education, municipalities, property and civil rights, and natural resources . These areas directly affect the daily lives of citizens, making provincial governments extremely relevant to them. Over time, the importance of these fields has grown, thereby increasing the power and influence of the provinces.

2. Judicial Interpretation: In the early years, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) in London, which was Canada’s highest court of appeal at the time, interpreted the constitution in a way that favoured provincial rights. The JCPC narrowly defined the federal “Peace, Order, and Good Government” (POGG) power and expanded the provinces’ “property and civil rights” jurisdiction. These rulings laid the groundwork for a decentralized federation.

3. Regional Economic Diversity and Disparity: Canada’s economy is highly regionalized. Alberta depends on oil and gas, Ontario on manufacturing and finance, British Columbia on forestry and trade, and the Prairie provinces on agriculture. These different economic bases often lead to conflicting interests. For instance, resource-rich provinces like Alberta may oppose federal policies they feel unfairly target their industry, such as a carbon tax. This economic variance fosters strong provincial identities and interests.

4. Quebec Nationalism: The most powerful driver of decentralization in Canada has been Quebec . With its unique French language, culture, and civil law tradition, Quebec has always sought to protect its identity and autonomy. Successive Quebec governments have consistently demanded the transfer of more powers from Ottawa. Quebec’s claim to be a “distinct society” both fuels and justifies the broader trend of decentralization in Canada.

5. Executive Federalism: Intergovernmental relations in Canada are largely conducted through “executive federalism” — that is, closed-door meetings between the prime minister and the provincial premiers. In these meetings, powerful and assertive premiers can form a united front against the federal government and collectively demand more powers or funding, further reinforcing the trend toward decentralization.

All these factors combine to create a political culture where provincial governments are often seen as the primary defenders of their citizens’ interests, and provincial identity is often as strong as, if not stronger than, national identity.

Q8. Write a note on Asians and Africans as Refugees and Immigrants.

Ans. The arrival of Asian and African peoples as immigrants and refugees is a significant and transformative chapter in Canada’s immigration history, profoundly shaping the country’s demographic and cultural landscape. Until the mid-20th century, Canada’s immigration policies were explicitly discriminatory, favouring European, particularly British, immigrants. Immigration from Asia and Africa was severely restricted.

Policy Shift and the New Era: A major shift occurred in the 1960s. In 1967, Canada introduced a points-based system that evaluated immigrants on factors like education, professional skills, language proficiency, and age, rather than national or ethnic origin. This non-discriminatory policy opened the doors for skilled workers and professionals from Asia, Africa, and other non-European parts of the world.

Asian Immigrants: Since the 1970s, Asia has become the largest source region for immigrants to Canada.

• Economic Immigrants: Large numbers of people from countries like China, India, the Philippines, and Pakistan have come seeking economic opportunities under the points system. They are often highly skilled professionals in fields like IT, engineering, healthcare, and finance.
• Family Reunification: Once immigrants are established, they sponsor family members, leading to further growth of these communities.
• Refugees: Canada has also accepted refugees from various Asian crises, most notably the Vietnamese “boat people” in the late 1970s and, in more recent years, Syrian and Afghan refugees.

Asian Canadians are now a large and growing segment of Canada’s population, contributing significantly to the country’s economic, social, and cultural life.

African Immigrants and Refugees: Immigration from Africa, while on a smaller scale than from Asia, has also grown substantially in recent decades.

• Skilled Workers and Professionals: Many people from countries like Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Egypt come to Canada for economic opportunities and political stability. There is also significant immigration from French-speaking African nations (e.g., Senegal, Congo), particularly to Quebec.
• Refugees: Canada has a long history of accepting African refugees fleeing war, civil conflict, and persecution. In the 1980s and 1990s, Canada settled large numbers of refugees from Somalia, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. More recently, refugees have come from countries like Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Challenges:

Upon settling in Canada, Asian and African immigrants and refugees often face challenges, including the

recognition of foreign credentials

, difficulties in finding employment, systemic racism and discrimination, and cultural adjustment to a new society. Despite these challenges, these communities have enriched Canada’s multicultural identity and played a crucial role in the country’s development.

Q9. What do you understand by ‘New Diplomacy’ in Canada’s Human Security Agenda ?

Ans. In the context of Canadian foreign policy, ‘New Diplomacy’ refers to an approach that rose to prominence in the 1990s, particularly during Lloyd Axworthy’s tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs. It marked a significant departure from traditional, state-centric diplomacy, which focused on military power and narrow definitions of national interest. Instead, the New Diplomacy is grounded in the concept of ‘Human Security’ .

The Concept of Human Security: Human security argues that the primary focus of security should be the individual, not the state. It emphasizes protecting individuals not just from military aggression, but from a broader range of threats such as hunger, disease, human rights abuses, internal conflict, and environmental disasters. It redefines ‘security’ from ‘security of the state’ to ‘security of the human’.

Key Characteristics of ‘New Diplomacy’:

1. Multi-stakeholder Partnerships: Unlike traditional diplomacy, which occurs exclusively between government officials, the New Diplomacy involves active partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society groups, academics, and other non-state actors. These groups are seen as crucial partners in solving global problems.
2. Coalition-Building: New Diplomacy often relies on building coalitions of like-minded states, sometimes referred to as “middle powers,” to achieve goals even in the face of opposition from great powers. It emphasizes multilateralism over unilateralism.
3. Issue-Focused Campaigns: It concentrates on focused campaigns that target specific global issues. The goal is to build international norms and treaties that influence the behaviour of states.
4. Use of ‘Soft Power’: Rather than relying on military might (‘hard power’), New Diplomacy utilizes ‘soft power’—the ability to persuade and influence others through the attraction of one’s values, culture, and policies.

Examples:

Two prime examples of the New Diplomacy in Canada’s Human Security Agenda are:

• The Ottawa Treaty: In 1997, Canada led a global campaign to create an international treaty banning anti-personnel landmines. Working with NGOs and other middle powers, Canada successfully concluded the treaty despite opposition from several major military powers.
• The International Criminal Court (ICC): Canada also played a key role in the establishment of a permanent international court to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

In essence, the ‘New Diplomacy’ was a proactive, values-based foreign policy approach for Canada that prioritized the safety of individuals and collaborated with civil society and like-minded states to address global problems.

Q10. Examine the major issues and problems in India-Canada relations.

Ans. The relationship between India and Canada is a complex mix, holding immense potential for cooperation based on shared democratic values, a large and influential Indian diaspora, and growing economic ties. However, the relationship is also plagued by several persistent and serious problems that prevent it from reaching its full potential.

Major Issues and Problems:

1. The Issue of Khalistani Extremism: This is the most contentious and long-standing problem in India-Canada relations. India has consistently accused Canada of being soft on Khalistani separatist groups active on its soil. India perceives these groups, which advocate for an independent Sikh state, as a threat to its national security and territorial integrity. The alleged support given to these groups by some Sikh politicians in Canada and the failure of Canadian governments to take adequate action on these concerns have created deep mistrust between the two countries. Recent allegations by the Canadian Prime Minister regarding the assassination of a Khalistani leader on Canadian soil have brought relations to a historic low.

2. Trade and Economic Relations: While bilateral trade between the two countries is growing, it remains far below its potential given the size of their economies. Negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) have been stalled for years. Trade barriers, market access issues, and regulatory differences hinder the expansion of economic ties.

3. Diaspora Politics: Canada is home to a diaspora of about 1.8 million people of Indian origin. This diaspora is a vital bridge between the two nations, but it is also a source of tension. Canadian political parties often engage with issues concerning India’s domestic politics to secure the votes of the Indian diaspora, creating friction with the Indian government. The Khalistan issue is the most glaring example of diaspora politics.

4. Differences on International Forums: While there are convergences on many issues, there are occasional differences in approach on key international matters. Canada has traditionally been part of a Western alliance, whereas India pursues an independent foreign policy, now termed “strategic autonomy.”

Areas of Cooperation: Despite these problems, significant areas of cooperation exist.

• Education: Canada is a top destination for Indian students, and educational exchanges are robust.
• Science and Technology: The two countries collaborate in areas like innovation, clean technology, and health.
• Energy: Canada, as an energy superpower, can be a significant partner in meeting India’s growing energy needs.

In conclusion, the India-Canada relationship is characterized by a paradox of great potential and serious challenges. Until the core issue of Khalistani extremism is resolved in a manner acceptable to both sides, it will be difficult to build deep and lasting trust, and the relationship will continue to underperform its true potential.