Canada's unique brand of federalism has been the cornerstone of one of the most successful societies in history. Canadian federalism is not a zero-sum game with winners and losers. We have it all: a strong federal government, strong provinces and strong partnerships among all levels of government.

Canada has become a leader in nearly every human-development indicator. We have cultivated a thriving economy and a tolerant, diverse society where social cohesion and equality of opportunity are not mere political theories. Our success is not some random accident of birth or geography. We are successful because we were fortunate enough to have nation builders with foresight and vision. Their great works, which are our birthright and the foundation of our promising future, are the products of a vigorous and balanced made-in-Canada federalism.

Liberals believe that in order to move forward, Canadians and their leaders must not forget how we got to where we are today. One of the key reasons for our achievements is a federalism marked by partnerships.

As the Prime Minister has said, partnerships begin with shared priorities. We all recognize that our priorities are established by Canadians -- those who elect politicians at all levels of government. Our voters want results, with a minimum of procedural and jurisdictional wrangling. Their priorities set our agenda, and guided by them, governments are able to achieve a great deal together.

Our recent accomplishments range from the 2004 Health Accord, to laying the foundation for a national system of Early Learning and Child Care, to a New Deal for Cities and Communities and the landmark agreement to bring Aboriginal Canadians into the mainstream of Canadian society.

We have made great progress. To carry on, we must be committed to making Canadian federalism work for us the way it has always done. This theme is central to the Liberal vision of the country.

Stephen Harper's statements on federalism have reminded me of our fundamental differences of principle and policy. As leader of the Conservative Party, he marginalized and alienated moderate and progressive voices. He refuses to stand up for the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. He seems more comfortable parroting the views of American neo-conservatives than with following the progressive traditions of leaders such as Robert Stanfield and Joe Clark.

All of the reasons came flowing back to mind when I heard him reaffirm his longstanding commitment to weakening the federal government's role. As an Atlantic Canadian, I would naturally look on that vision with special concern. But beyond that, I see his vision as one that would upset the balance of Canadian federalism and prevent us from building on one of our greatest assets.

He characterizes decades of partnership and co-operation as "domineering and paternalistic federalism, which is a serious threat to the future of our federation." He embraces a radical decentralization of our country. He has called for a "firewall" to be built around the province of Alberta. He has spent much of his life attacking the policies and institutions that made Canada great. He has even called bilingualism "a failed god." In reference to national unity, he has said "whether Canada ends up with one national government or two governments or 10 governments, the Canadian people will require less government no matter what the constitutional status or arrangement of any future country may be."

Harper's open hostility to the role of the national government is completely at odds with Canadian tradition and history. It is a repudiation of the very means of our progress. The true genius of Canada is that it has been built in a creative partnership of strong provinces and a strong federal government. One that has allowed us to marshall resources on a national scale to achieve common economic and social objectives, while affording the provinces the authority and flexibility they need to address unique priorities and needs. It is from this tradition of dynamic co-operation that national institutions such as Medicare and Equalization have emerged.

Paul Martin and the Liberal Party of Canada have practised collaborative federalism with energy and dedication. Strong national vision has helped build Canada as one of the most economically successful and socially progressive societies in the world, and strong national vision is required today to move Canada forward.