Traditionally, the federal government has used its financial leverage to cajole the provinces to apply the principles of the Canada Health Act.

ECONOMIST: Health care in Canada

They will also go to Prince Edward Island, where the confederation of Canada's provinces was signed in 1864 and where, 147 years later, William and Kate will race against each other in a dragon boat race.

BBC: Canada royal tour: Will history repeat itself?

The lopsided distribution of the 105 seats reflects a Canada that no longer exists: the maritime provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick each have 10 senators despite having much smaller populations than the four western provinces, which each have six.

ECONOMIST: Stephen Harper tries reform by stealth

Mr Martin must also worry about the rising cost of Canada's government-funded health service, and the growing fiscal troubles of the provinces.

ECONOMIST: Looking south with a friendlier face

In Canada's Atlantic provinces, the onset of winter is starting to keep boats in harbour, allowing tempers to cool.

ECONOMIST: Canada

The UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network in Canada is comprised of 63 schools in seven provinces.

UNESCO: EDUCATION

As outsiders do not often understand, and perhaps should, the clash between Canada's centre and its provinces extends far beyond the status of French-speaking Quebec.

ECONOMIST: Ottawa against the provinces