To what extent did Chrétien (1993–2003) resolve Canada’s domestic problems during his premiership?

Candidates will consider the role of Chrétien in respect to Canada’s domestic problems during his premiership and consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that he was able to resolve domestic problems. Depending on evidence applied, candidates may assert that the resolution was minimal, absolute or somewhere between. Successes may include Chrétien’s “Red Book” that helped establish his liberal party as the “party of ideas”, success in reducing the deficit and cutting taxes, the creation of the Child Benefit Program to assist low income families and the “Clarity Act” that required a provincial referendum in support of separation prior to a national vote. Limitations may include cancellation of the contract to privatize the Pearson airport, his inability to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the US, cuts weakening Canada’s military and implication in several scandals involving favours to personal friends.