George Anderson became president of the Forum of Federations in June 2005. He was previously Deputy Minister of Natural Resources Canada, from May 2002 until May 2005. He also served as Deputy Minister (Intergovernmental Affairs) in the Privy Council Office beginning in August 1996. He began working in Canada's federal public service in 1972. From 1992 to 1993, he was a fellow at Harvard University's Center for International Affairs. George Anderson has a B.A. from Queen's University, an M. Litt. in Political Science from Oxford University, a diploma from the École nationale d'administration in Paris, France, and is currently a trustee of Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

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A primer on federalism

Forty per cent of the world's people live in federal countries. The 28 countries with federal systems of government are amazingly diverse: they include not only the world's wealthiest nation - the United States of America - but also tiny island-states like Micronesia and St. Kitts and Nevis.

This admirably concise book, written by George Anderson, a leading expert on federalism and head of the Forum of Federations, provides a straightforward, jargon-free introduction to the topic. It is essential reading not only for students and those in government, but for ordinary citizens of the world's federations.

Inside this book are explanations of many of the mysteries of federal countries, including:

• How federal countries arose
• What makes a country federal
• How money is handled
• Diversity in federal countries
• How powers are divided

Available at better local and university bookstores across Canada.

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