Different Systems, Fundamental Questions
Integrating the Dakotas with Saskatchewan would require more than changing flags. It would mean transitioning from one governance system to another—from American federalism to Canadian federalism, from state government to provincial government, from one set of rights and responsibilities to another.
Current Governance Structures
Saskatchewan:
- Provincial legislature (unicameral—Legislative Assembly)
- 61 seats, elected by first-past-the-post
- Premier and cabinet drawn from legislature
- Lieutenant Governor (Crown representative, ceremonial)
- Division of powers with federal government per Constitution Act, 1867
North Dakota:
- Bicameral legislature (Senate and House)
- 47 Senate seats, 94 House seats
- Governor elected separately from legislature
- Division of powers with federal government per US Constitution
South Dakota:
- Bicameral legislature (Senate and House)
- 35 Senate seats, 70 House seats
- Governor elected separately
- Similar federal-state division
Key Differences
| Feature | Canadian Provincial | American State |
|---|---|---|
| Head of Government | Premier (parliamentary—from legislature) | Governor (presidential—separate election) |
| Legislature | Unicameral | Bicameral (except Nebraska) |
| Judiciary | Provincially administered, federally appointed (superior courts) | State supreme courts, elected judges in many states |
| Healthcare | Provincial responsibility (single-payer) | Complex federal-state mix |
| Education | Provincial responsibility | State and local responsibility |
| Criminal Law | Federal (Criminal Code of Canada) | State criminal codes + federal crimes |
| Gun Laws | Federal (Firearms Act) | State laws vary widely |
| Constitutional Rights | Charter of Rights and Freedoms | Bill of Rights + state constitutions |
Transition Challenges
Representation:
- Currently: ND has 3 electoral votes, 1 House Rep, 2 Senators; SD has 3 electoral votes, 1 House Rep, 2 Senators
- After: Combined region would be part of Saskatchewan, which has 14 House of Commons seats and 6 Senate seats
- Net loss of direct federal representation (6 senators → would share 6 with current Saskatchewan)
- But: Provincial representation might increase significantly
Legal System:
- Transition from US legal precedents to Canadian law
- Contract law, property law, family law—all would need harmonization
- Criminal law would change (different drug laws, gun laws, sentencing)
- Lawyers would need retraining or re-certification
Municipal Government:
- Cities and counties would transition to Canadian municipal models
- Property taxation systems would change
- Zoning and land use regulation would shift
Possible Structures
Option 1: Full Integration
- Dakotas become part of Saskatchewan as additional constituencies
- Single provincial government for entire region
- Major expansion of provincial capacity required
Option 2: Federal-Style Province
- Significant regional autonomy preserved
- Saskatchewan, North Dakota, South Dakota regions maintain distinct administrations
- Unified for federal relations
- Similar to how Canadian territories function with significant local control
Option 3: New Province Creation
- Dakotas become a new Canadian province, separate from Saskatchewan
- Would require constitutional process
- Preserves distinct identity while joining Canada
Option 4: Asymmetric Federation
- Dakotas join with special status and unique provisions
- Similar to Quebec's distinct society recognition
- Transition provisions over extended period
Timeline Considerations
Governance transition would take years, not months:
- Legal harmonization: 5-10 years minimum
- Administrative integration: 3-5 years
- Institutional development: Ongoing
- Full cultural integration: A generation
Questions for Discussion
- What governance structure would best serve an integrated prairie region?
- How much regional autonomy should former Dakotas retain?
- What aspects of US governance would Dakotans most want to preserve?
- How should the transition of legal systems be managed?
This forum explores the mechanics of integration—how governance would actually function in a unified prairie region.