With all due respect, I think there is a difference--and we have to understand that--between the American system of governance at the municipal level, through their states, and the federal level. Some days, that state level sort of disappears in the American system somehow. I don't know how it happens. But it is different in Canada. The municipal level is very strong and independent. Equally, too, the provinces. So when the municipalities are no longer able to handle something, it quickly goes to the province, whereas down there they seem to look for their federal government to step in.
On October 5th, 2006. See this statement in context.