BRIDGING

GAPS IN CANADIAN POLITICS

COUNCIL OF THE FEDERATION

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The Council of Federation (COF) is Canada’s primary forum for interprovincial and territorial cooperation, bringing together the premiers of all provinces and territories to address issues of shared national importance. Established to strengthen provincial-territorial relations, the Council plays a critical role in coordinating policy responses to serious challenges that fall within provincial jurisdiction but carry national consequences. Unlike international committees, this committee requires delegates to grapple with fiscal limits, public accountability, and interprovincial deals in Canada’s political environment. Delegates must reconcile regional interests with national cohesion, manage public expectations, and confront the political consequences of inaction. 

At HarvardMUN Canada, this committee will focus on pressing issues that Canadians are actively experiencing today, grounding debate in domestic realities rather than abstract policy discussions. The committee will consist of the Premier of each province and territory, alongside two additional members of each Premier’s Cabinet. Delegates will navigate regional disparities, political constraints, and competing provincial priorities while seeking coordinated policy responses that respect Canada’s constitutional divisions of power. By simulating interprovincial decision-making at the highest level, this committee offers a uniquely grounded and substantive exploration of Canadian governance.

TOPIC A: Addressing Inter-Provincial Trade Barriers & Strengthening Canada’s Economy

TOPIC B: Coordinating Provincial Responses to U.S. Trade Pressure, Industrial Policy, and Cross-Border Supply Chains

BACKGROUND GUIDE

COMMITTEE DAIS

DIRECTOR

Claire Cao

My name is Claire Cao, and I am a first-year at Harvard studying Applied Mathematics and Government, from Portland, Oregon. I began Model United Nations in high school and later served as Secretary-General of Oregon’s MUN Conference. At Harvard, I have been an Assistant Director for both HMUN and HNMUN and compete on the Intercollegiate Model UN Team. Outside of MUN, I am involved in the Harvard Association for U.S.-China Relations, I’m Co-President of the Harvard Undergraduate Figure Skating Club, and an Associate with the Harvard Undergraduate Consulting on Business and the Environment. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, exploring cafes around Boston, traveling, and spending time with my cat. Through my academic and extracurricular experiences, I developed a strong interest in how governments coordinate across jurisdictions to address complex economic and political challenges, and I encourage you to bring thoughtful, creative, and feasible ideas while collaborating to produce impactful, well-balanced solutions.

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SENIOR AD

TBA

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JUNIOR AD

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