This sub-sub-series contains correspondence exchanged between Prime Minister Chrétien's two successive Executive Assistants - Michael R. McAdoo and Bruce Hartley - and ministers, secretaries of state (or their Executive Assistants) and, to a lesser degree, Members of Parliament. It also includes correspondence addressed directly to the Prime Minister by politicians, and forwarded to the Executive Assistant for information or follow-up. Related documents are sometimes attached to the pieces of correspondence, including correspondence transmittal forms, various reference materials, handwritten notes, memos, ministerial press releases, briefing notes, etc. Certain original items are signed by Canadian politicians, and many are initialled by Jean Chrétien.
This sub-sub-series generally concerns ministerial and parliamentary affairs (routine and special) requiring the attention of Prime Minister Chrétien. In addition to outlining various problems, correspondents usually solicit an interview or present a request (i.e. for a signature, approval of an appointment, etc.).
These documents shed light on the importance of the tasks delegated to the Executive Assistant who, as the person in charge of the Prime Minister's agenda, oversees and prioritizes access to the Prime Minister (including by members of the Cabinet). He is also responsible for managing and filtering the flow of documents and, often, for determining which ones require the direct attention of the Chief of Staff or the Prime Minister. These documents show that the assertion is equally valid for ministers and secretaries of state, as evidenced by the correspondence exchanges between the Executive Assistants of ministers and those of the Prime Minister.
Lastly, even if not compiled by Executive Assistants in this particular case, the correspondence provides an overview of the concerns and priorities of various departments and secretaries of state during the Chrétien government, especially since it contains planned proposals to the Prime Minister's Office. The hot-button issues marking Jean Chrétien's three terms as Prime Minister are therefore addressed.
