Changing times at the Canadian Parliamentary Review.

• Author: Stos, Will
• Position: Editorial

The new editor of the Canadian Parliamentary Review introduces himself to readers in this article. He explains his approach to his new role and to the publication as being one which fosters discussion and debate about new ideas about parliamentary democracy while recognizing its distinguished past. Particular emphasis will be given to people and projects which seek to continue to make these institutions responsive and relevant to Canadians. A concluding section outlines some of the editorial board's proposals for the Review during this time of transition and renewal.

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As I begin my tenure as editor of the Canadian Parliamentary Review, I pause to consider and question my professional purpose and the kind of contribution I can make to this long-standing and well-regarded institution as it enters a period of immense change. I imagine many parliamentarians may have had similar thoughts as they first entered their respective legislatures.

As a proponent of the value of historical knowledge generally, it is a personal tenant of faith that one must look to the past to be best prepared for the unfolding future.

In preparation for the commencement of my duties as editor I spoke with some contributors to and readers of the Review to ask how they conceived of the publication's purpose and how I might build on the solid foundations and successes of my predecessor, Dr. Gary Levy. In these discussions it soon became clear that the Review had found a particular niche which it served well. Parliamentary observers, in Canada and abroad, find this publication a valuable source for keeping up to date on the happenings in legislatures across the country. Current and former members publish pieces which seek to comment on some of the pressing issues or peculiarities of parliamentary life in a non-partisan setting. Legislative staff can be alerted to issues arising in certain legislative bodies or which they may soon experience in their home parliament. And academics with an interest in parliamentary matters can present some of their work for the benefit of both their colleagues and their subjects themselves.

At its best, then, the Canadian Parliamentary Review is reportorial, reflective and an incubator for new ideas about parliamentary democracy in this country and occasionally in others which share the Westminster tradition. These views correspond very well to the sentiment encapsulated in our masthead's mission statement: "The Canadian...