This book brings together contributions by Canadian experts to examine the shifting relationship between the federal government and the voluntary sector. Taking into account the new policy context set by the Conservatives after a decade of the Liberals in power, it discusses how the role of the voluntary sector in policy is being reassessed, and how the funding and organization of services and of political representation is being transformed. Each chapter provides informed, accessible, and topical commentary on the changes and continuities that are shaping debates in key policy areas such as relationship building, funding infrastructure, citizenship building, urban issues, and social economy. It is essential reading for academics and practitioners interested in sectoral issues.

This book is the fifth volume to emerge from the Public Policy and Third Sector Initiative in the School of Policy Studies at Queen's University. This collection of papers is based on the Seventh Annual National Forum of the Initiative, held 20-21 October 2006, which brought together public servants, experts, and practitioners to discuss the place of the voluntary sector in the New Federal Policy Agenda.

Contributors include Jehad Aliweiwi (Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office), Neil Bradford (Western), Andrew Graham (Queen's), Grant Holly (Université de Montréal), Rachel Laforest (Queen's), Susan Phillips (Carleton), Senator Hugh Segal (Queen's), and Luc Thériault (UNB).