The twenty-fifth edition of "How Ottawa Spends" assesses the priorities, initial spending, and policy initiatives of the new Paul Martin era. Writing in the context of the Liberal Party's internal regime change and the formation of a new Conservative Party, contributors to this volume examine key issues of Canadian national politics and policy, including Canada-U.S. relations; the cities agenda; social policy, ethics and public trust; policies on children, energy, sustainable development policy and implementing the Kyoto Protocol; smart regulation and natural resources; Atlantic Canada fisheries; innovation policy and the services sector; the central agencies and governing from the centre; and next-generation renewal of the federal public service.

Drawing on the work of academics and other experts from across Canada, Carleton University's School of Public Policy and Administration's annual book takes a focused and robust look at an era where a political coronation seemed inevitable but high expectations had to be managed downwards almost immediately. A less-than-buoyant fiscal surplus, escalating concerns about liberal ethics and corruption, and a growing volatility in public opinion are examined as are Canadians' increasingly uncertain views about the new Liberal leadership versus the old Liberal Party's ten-year hold on power. A new Conservative Party and a suddenly feisty New Democratic Party are also a central part of the new 2004-2005 Canadian political and policy milieu.

Contributors include Andrew Bjorn (University of Washington), Neil Bradford (University of Western Ontario), Tyler Chamberlin (University of Ottawa), Ian Clark (Council of Ontario Universities), John de la Mothe (University of Ottawa), Bruce Doern, Carey Frey (Carleton University), Michael Hart (Carleton University), Luc Juillet (University of Ottawa), Karine Levasseur (Carleton University), Evert Lindquist (University of Victoria), Douglas Macdonald (University of Toronto), Jonathan Malloy (Carleton University), James Mitchell (Sussex Circle), Gilles Paquet (University of Ottawa), Stephanie Paterson (Carleton University), Michael Prince (University of Victoria), Jim Rice (McMaster University), Stephan Schott (Carleton University), Tatyana Teplova (Carleton University), Brian Tomlin (Carleton University), Glen Toner (Carleton University), Debora VanNijnatten (Wilfred Laurier University), and Mike Wenig (University of Calgary).