The Chrétien Legacy: Politics and Public Policy in Canada

Paul G. Thomas is the Duff Roblin Professor of Government at the
University of Manitoba, the author of Parliamentary Reform Through
Political Parties, and the co-author of Canadian Public Administration:
Problematical Perspectives.

Asked to recall the major events and accomplishments of the decade in
which Jean Chrétien served as prime minister (1993–2004), most
observers would probably point to four occurrences: the deep cost
cutting of the mid-1990s to federal departments and programs to deal
with the deficit and debt; the near victory of the “yes” side in the
1995 Quebec referendum, and the passage of the Clarity Act setting forth
the conditions under which Quebec could seek independence; the aftermath
of 9/11, and Canada’s decision not to enter the Iraq War; and, toward
the end of the Chrétien era, the “civil war” between the prime
minister and his finance minister, Paul Martin. After Martin became
prime minister in 2004, he launched the Gomery inquiry into misspending
on referendum advertising in Quebec. The inquiry enveloped the Chrétien
legacy in an ethics scandal and helped to bring down the short-lived
Martin government. These may be the most memorable events of the decade,
but this book focuses less on them and more on the policy initiatives of
the Chrétien government in more than a dozen fields.

The 17 contributors are recognized authorities in the field of
political science, and the book is mainly intended for fellow academics
and students. The portrait of Mr. Chrétien that emerges is one of a
pragmatic, cautious, and managerial-style political leader who neither
inspired nor challenged Canadians with grand visions. His normal
leadership style was to allow his Cabinet ministers latitude to make
policy for their own departments, but on sensitive political matters he
used his prerogatives as prime minister to control the agenda of
government. The book focuses on the accomplishments and shortcomings of
policy in a wide range of fields, including foreign policy,
Canada–U.S. relations, immigration, health, and Aboriginal affairs.
Well researched and well written, the essays provide a valuable source
on the Chrétien legacy, including some of the lower-profile aspects of
his government’s record.