This series comprises files created during both of Marchand's ministries; there is carryover from the Small Business portfolio into the Environment. The titling of this series was retained from the boxes originally sent to LAC from Marchand's office. Judging by the content of the files, what Marchand meant by "Parliamentary" was material somehow related to House of Commons activities and programs, and related political material - often including correspondence between ministers.
This series opens with five files on Royal Commissions, however, the bulk of it consists of two components. First, there is a run of correspondence files, arranged in alpha-order (by surname or business or agency). Each file holds very disparate material, as evidenced by a sampling of the "D" file. Here, one finds correspondence on severe weather warnings, products under the Farm Products Marketing Act, caucus events, matters affecting constituents, House matters (question period, TV coverage), departmental properties, government wharves, youth programs dairy policy, obtaining government contracts and so on. It seems that at times the matter under consideration was raised by a constituent, or by an MP - but almost always, there is an MP-minister exchange, and often enough, minister-to-minister.
Another large bloc of files deals with various government bills. These files contain memos, briefings and correspondence on various bills presented to the House which were of particular interest to Marchand (perhaps touching on issues important to him, to his constituents or his ministries). The files also hold submissions by various sectorial groups with an interest in particular bills. The exchange of information and views is at a high level; it is Marchand himself, or his executive assistant or aides, writing to other minister's offices. This cluster of files indicates in what measure Marchand might have helped shape government legislation and policy.
Beyond these two large clusters of files, there are many discrete files on diverse subjects, such as inter-party exchanges of information and position on House activities and policies; there are files on Liberal party Caucus activities; several files hold correspondence with Senators; other files reflect politicking in his home riding with the BC Liberal Caucus events there. In short, this series demonstrates Marchand in his dealings with political confreres in the context of the House of Commons; it gives an insight into the political workings of the House, often across political lines. And the high-level correspondence in the two main clusters - "correspondence" and "bills" - provide a close window into governmental policy discussion and formulation, and political outreach to constituents across Canada.
