This sub-sub-series provides a quick overview of the issues and topics considered priorities by the Principal Secretary and, indirectly, by the Official Opposition. Some files concern political and economic issues, while others explore the ins and outs of guidelines, policies, regulations, laws, programs, grants and events - thus offering researchers some insight into mechanisms used to counterbalance political decisions (the role of the opposition party).
First, certain files explore the Official Opposition's key issues. Files on the Goods and Services Tax (GST), EH 101 helicopters and NAFTA illustrate some of the Opposition's points of contention with the party in power. Other files document the opposition party's actions during crises (i.e. the Oka standoff, the Al-Mashat scandal, etc.).
The sub-sub-series then documents the issues driving federal politics and the main political parties of the period (i.e. Liberal Party, Conservative Party, Reform Party, New Democratic Party). Files on Lucien Bouchard also illustrate not only the shock wave created by his departure from the Conservative Party and the founding of the Bloc Québécois, but the concerns and uncertainties about this new sovereignist party in Ottawa.
Lastly, certain files concern the priorities set by Jean Chrétien as new party leader. Files on the Aylmer Conference document the work of non-partisan experts, from Canada and abroad, who met to explore possible solutions and their economic and political implications for Canada on the eve of the 21st century. The conference helped the Liberal Party develop new policies and propose constructive alternatives to the Conservative Party agenda, leading to the release of its 1993 electoral platform (the famous Red Book, co-written by Chaviva Hosek and Paul Martin).
This sub-series consists of reference materials of use to Opposition Leader Jean Chrétien and his Principal Secretary (i.e. memos, briefing notes, written submissions, speeches, invitations, news releases, press clippings, working papers, political correspondence, etc.). To a lesser degree, it also contains bills and legal texts, texts and reports on various federal programs or private initiatives, fact-finding reports and surveys.