Series consists of 4 groupings of records. While these four divisions were originally separate, individual groups of records, they were all general correspondence and thus were placed together in the General correspondence series.
The first group of records is Ed Broadbent's correspondence (1976-1989). Notable items include: requests from diplomats of Eastern Bloc countries for meetings with Ed Broadbent, and his refusals; letters containing policy statements on capital punishment and abortion, and the right of caucus members to decide how to vote on these issues; and, a 1983 letter written to an NDP organizer in Quebec detailing the difficulties that the Party was experiencing in getting a foothold in Quebec. Ed Broadbent's correspondence from 1989 includes numerous letters urging him to continue as leader of the NDP, or wishing him well once he decided to resign. There are some attractive Christmas cards from foreign embassies in 1988. Notable correspondents include Brian Mulroney, Eugene Forsey, June Callwood, Desmond Morton, Ramsay Cook, and George Woodcock. Correspondence from leading socialists such as Neil Kinnock, Willy Brandt, Michael Manly and Ingvar Carlsson further document Broadbent's interest and involvement with Socialist International.
The second group of records, Office staff correspondence, (1979-1989) includes invitations for Ed Broadbent to attend conferences, conventions and social gatherings; requests for meetings; and thank-you letters. Notable correspondence includes a 1986 analysis of the media coverage of the NDP by Bill Knight, a 1984 letter from Bob Rae which included a policy discussion and was apparently never answered, and a 1980 letter written by a Quebec NDP candidate complaining about the lack of support received from the federal party.
The third group of records, Electronic mail, sent and received (1986-1988) by Ed Broadbent's Office is self explanatory. The telexes and letters are addressed to numerous caucus members and cover a wide range of subjects.
The fourth group of records, Quebec Caucus Tour Co-ordinator (Marc Turgeon) (1985-88), consists entirely of the records generated by Marc Turgeon. He was responsible for arranging all appearances and outings of the federal NDP Caucus in Quebec. As such, he had direct contact with the organizations and people of the province, and the issues that concerned them.