Though they serve in many roles and under many titles, no one doubts that political staffs now wield substantial influence in the making of government policy. Backrooms and Beyond draws on interviews with ministers, senior public servants, and political advisers to offer the first detailed Canadian treatment of how that influence is gained and exercised in the policy making process.

A comparative analysis of case studies from three Canadian jurisdictions, including the federal Prime Minister’s Office, two premier’s offices, and ministers’ offices, the book presents a detailed account of partisan advisers’ involvement in policy work and a new theoretical framework for understanding this work and its impact. As Jonathan Craft shows, partisan advisers often engage in policy work with public servants, outside stakeholders, and often in types of policy work that public servants cannot.

Backrooms and Beyond is a rich and rigorous look at an important aspect of contemporary Canadian politics, essential reading for scholars and practitioners, journalists, students of the Westminster system from around the world, and those wanting to understand just how policy is made today.

Jonathan Craft is an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science and the School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Toronto. He is a former provincial legislative assistant and federal public servant.

Jonathan Craft's profile page

‘Craft’s study is the first in decades to meaningfully differentiate the roles of political staff in order to focus on those who provide policy advice. This book is essential reading for scholars who are interested in policy making, public administration, and Canadian institutions generally.’

Canadian Journal of Political Science vol 50:03:2017

“It is a thoughtful and reassuring guide for those left confused or concerned by the limited insights of the [Mike] Duffy trial.”

Policy Options, August 15, 2016