Antonia Maioni, director of the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada, writes in a major essay for the Conference Board of Canada that Stephen Harper's "open federalism" has raised both expectations among Quebecers and the stakes for a possible return to constitutional negotiations. "Although it is unfashionable to mention the 'C-word' these days, sooner or later the constitutional elephant in the room will have to be acknowledged," Ms. Maioni contends.