That's an excellent question, but I'm not sure I have a great answer.
Part of the problem is that, when the federal government talks to the provinces about these things, the first thing the provinces do is ask the feds for a cheque. I realize that's the best thing in some situations, but the provinces have responsibilities too, and they just need support.
Here's an example from the not-too-distant past. In the spring, there was a water issue in Gatineau. I'll never understand why governments in Canada allow people to build houses and cottages in places where flooding is possible and, in some cases, likely.
That kind of thing can be done collaboratively by both levels of government, but there has to be political will, and that political will can't be imposed.