The files reflect the inter-relationship between the Federal Ministry of the Environment and various provincial officials responsible for environmental portfolios proper, or portfolios touching on environmental matters. These records are comprised of high-level correspondence, occasional briefing papers and informational material, as well as proceedings of federal-provincial ministers' meetings (C.C.R.E.M.). Since many environmental issues were trans-boundary as well as cross-jurisdictional, they required federal-provincial co-operation, which these files reflect.
Ultimately, these files reveal the formulation of environmental protections and regulatory approaches between the two levels of government, federal and provincial. They also provide background material on agreements between the federal government and the United States. Above all, they elucidate the measures undertaken in defence of the environment on issues deemed important in their day, such as: measures to reduce air-borne pollutants; concerns re: environmental damage if Great Lakes Seaway season is extended; measures against the burning of PCBs as a way of disposal; plans for reforestations and proper management of forests; measures against dumping of chemical waste into Niagara River; attempts to assure the safety of oil tanker traffic in sea lanes, and so on.
These files also highlight the growing awareness, then in infancy, of environmental threats to human and ecological health, such as automotive emissions, water contamination, chemical hazards and so on. In sum, they highlight Marchand's (and his government's) efforts to address these threats, through federal action alone where possible, through joint action with the provinces and the United States where necessary.
