Research publications

The Library of Parliament’s research publications provide non-partisan, reliable and timely information and analysis on current and emerging issues, legislation and major public policy topics.

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HillNotes

Quick reads on topics of interest to parliamentarians

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HillStudies

In-depth reads on topics of interest to parliamentarians (formerly Background papers and In briefs)

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Legislative summaries

Concise analyses of certain bills before Parliament

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Trade and investment profiles

Fact sheets on Canada’s trade and investment relationship with selected countries and regions

Archived research publications are available in our catalogue.

  1. Trafficking in Persons

    HillStudies
    2011-59-e.pdf (691.26 KB)
    Trafficking in persons is an increasingly pressing issue in global migration policy. The illegal transportation and harbouring of people for the purposes of forced service and other forms of exploitation is a violation of internationally and domestically recognized human rights. This paper discusses the concept of trafficking in general terms and provides an overview of the legislative framework around the issue at the international level and within the Canadian context. It concludes with a discussion of potential gaps in Canadian legislation and policy with respect to trafficking in persons.
    Forced labour
    Government policy
    Human rights
    Human trafficking
    International conventions
    Organ trafficking
    Sexual exploitation
    Statutes

  2. Canada’s Tourism Economy

    HillStudies
    2021-33-e.pdf (757.85 KB)
    Canada’s tourism industry is an important contributor to Canadian economic growth. This industry – which comprises hospitality and travel services to and from Canada – is a multi-billion-dollar business that employs hundreds of thousands of Canadians and is supported by all levels of government. This HillStudy provides information about Canada’s tourism industry, travel patterns of visitors to and from Canada, the importance of the United States (U.S.) to Canada’s tourism economy and the role of the federal government.
    Government policy
    Hospitality industry
    Industry assistance
    Public funding
    Tourism
    Tourism industry

  3. The Legislative Process: From Government Policy to Proclamation

    HillStudies
    2025-13-e.pdf (876.89 KB)
    At the federal level, there are several sequential stages that must be completed for a policy proposal to be transformed from an idea into a law. The process involves all three components of the legislative branch (the Sovereign, the Senate and the House of Commons) operating in concert. In the case of government bills, these stages are the Cabinet stage, the parliamentary stage, the Royal Assent stage and the coming-into-force stage This paper discusses the legislative process for government bills.
    Cabinet
    Government bills
    Government policy
    Legislative process

  4. Canada’s Defence Policy Statements: Change and Continuity

    HillNote
    In September 1957, at the height of the Cold War, Canada and the United States (U.S.) decided to establish a binational air defence organization known as the North American Air Defense Command, or NORAD; it was renamed the North American Aerospace Defense Command in 1981. Originally designed to monitor and defend North America and its airspace against the threat of nuclear-armed Soviet long-range bombers, NORAD’s purpose was to centralize the “operational control of continental air defenses.” The Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America on the North American Aerospace Defense Command (the NORAD Agreement) was signed by the two countries on 12 May 1958; it has since been “reviewed, revised, renewed or extended” several times, most recently in 2006.1This paper provides information about NORAD’S mission, structure and locations, its air assets, Canada’s role in NORAD and NORAD’s modernization.
    Defence
    Government policy

  5. Youth and Mental Health in Canada

    HillNote
    A positive state of mental health and wellness in youth sets the stage for their healthy transition to adulthood. Positive mental health among youth is associated with a greater likelihood of completing school, healthier social relations, higher levels of self-confidence, better income potential and greater resilience. Mental health refers to an overall state of well-being involving thoughts, feelings and emotions, whereas a mental illness denotes a specific condition, such as depression, anxiety, an eating disorder or schizophrenia. In about 70% of cases, symptoms of mental illness begin before age 18, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. About one in five Canadians is affected by a mental health illness by the time they reach age 25; however, many youth experience barriers to accessing mental health care services. “Youth” is defined as the period between childhood and adulthood, generally encompassing the ages of 12 to 25. However, different organizations report on different age ranges. The age ranges below reflect those reported in the works discussed.
    Adolescents
    Government policy
    Mental health
    Young adults