In Mr Smith Goes to Ottawa, the author compares the 34th (1988-93) and the 35th (1993-97) Parliaments. The former, the second consecutive Conservative-led majority government, could not appear more different from the Liberal one which followed. Over two-thirds of its members were rookies. More significantly, over one-third represented two new political parties - the Bloc Quebecois and the Reform party. Yet, for all this change, Docherty shows that the new agendas of the 35th Parliament have not translated into changes in the legislative behaviour or socialization of new members. Unlike Jimmy Stewart in Washington, the majority of the men and women who go to Ottawa end up accepting a limited policy role.

The 2003-2004 edition examines these core dynamics of national priority setting and public spending and provides an informed look at many of the key policy issues caught up in the new realities. These include policies on: Kyoto and climate change; health care in the wake of the Kirby and Romanow reports; the new national security agenda; North American integration; higher education; the innovation agenda; government S & T; internet broadband and community connectedness; pensions; and student financial aid.

Consists of individuals reports of each of the branches of the department.