Topic 1: Expectations at Confederation and Progress Achieved

To provide an assessment of the historical evidence, based on existing literature of the issues surrounding the entry of Newfoundland and Labrador into the Canadian federation.

To provide a list of specific indicators including such factors as population, gross domestic product, employment, health status, housing, education, etc.

To provide a summary chronology of key, illustrative events or developments in the history of Newfoundland and Labrador, covering a range of social, economic, cultural, political and constitutional aspects.

To provide an assessment of the historical evidence and of the chief themes pursued by historical and other analysis of the two periods 1949-1972 and 1972-2002.

To provide an overview of the basic structure and changes over time of the taxation, expenditure, debt and other liabilities of public finance of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

To provide a commentary on the overview paper on Public Finance.

Topic 2: How Newfoundland and Labrador is Viewed in Canada

A national public opinion survey to be carried out by a polling firm on behalf of the Commission.

R&A Paper on Representation of Newfoundland and Labrador in Federal Political Institutions

To provide an assessment of the various institutional and informal means by which the people and Government of Newfoundland and Labrador are represented in the institutions of the federal government of Canada.

To provide an assessment of how the federal system of government and its underlying values have changed since the entry of Newfoundland and Labrador to Canada, and the potential trends for such evolution in the future.

To provide an assessment of relations between Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador and to outline potential interests, issues, and means for mutually productive relations in the future.

To provide an assessment of whether or how Atlantic Provinces’ cooperation/integration may strengthen or weaken this province’s place in Canada.

To provide an analysis and alternative options for the intergovernmental relations of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, including the protection and promotion of its constitutional position.

Initial website research, follow-up with communications to include the following: Atlantic Institute for Market Studies (AIMS), Atlantic Provinces Economic Council (APEC), CD Howe, Institute of Research on Public Policy (IRPP), Canadian Policy Research Networks Inc. (CPRN), CanadaWest, Montreal Economics Institute, Fraser Institute, Saskatchewan Institute of Public Policy (SIPP), Université de Moncton (Savoie group). (In-house project).

Topic 3: Terms of Union and Other Constitutional Provisions

To provide an historical and policy analysis of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Terms of Union including its current applicability to this Province’s place in Canada.

To provide an analysis of the main issues and outcomes of all litigation involving the Terms of Union.

To provide a legal assessment of the current applicability of the Terms of Union

To provide independent legal assessments on key constitutional provisions of interest to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Topic 4: Contributions of Newfoundland and Labrador to Canada

A public opinion survey to be conducted by independent polling firm on Newfoundlanders and Labradorians' attachment to Canada and relations to Canada.

To provide information on the nature of the economic flows between Newfoundland and Labrador and the rest of Canada and internationally.

To provide a thematic overview of the contributions of Newfoundland and Labrador to Canada including such aspects as territory (including offshore), people, sense of place, natural resources, strategic location, industrial output, arts, culture, etc.

Topic 5: Arrangements with Canada that Hamper Prosperity and Self-reliance

To provide an assessment of Canadian foreign policy from the perspective of the interests of Newfoundland and Labrador e.g. international trade, fisheries, defense, boundary issues etc.

To provide an overview of the evolution of the regulatory regime for trade in electricity in North America and in Canada (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), International Trade Agreements, National Energy Board (NEB) with particular relevance to the interprovincial and international trade of the energy resources of Newfoundland and Labrador).

To provide an assessment of existing knowledge of the state of fisheries resources adjacent to Newfoundland and Labrador, and on the role of scientific research and assessment in the sustainable stewardship of those resources.

To develop options and make recommendations on (1) the objectives that should define fisheries policy governing the use and benefits of fisheries resources adjacent to the Province and on (2) the mechanisms that would allow the province adequate participation in the management regimes associated with realizing such objectives.

To provide an overview of how equalization works and its importance to Newfoundland and Labrador.

To provide an understanding of the CHST and other major social transfer programs, illustrating their design and importance to provincial government finances.

To provide an assessment of how changes to the working of fiscal federalism would be beneficial or harmful to Newfound and Labrador over the longer term.

To provide an assessment of the Government of Canada’s regional development policy and programs and of the most effective policy goals and objectives - and focus of future federal policy.

To provide an analysis of the key issues currently facing Aboriginal People in Newfoundland and Labrador, and the policy implications for the Province.

Topic 6: Demographic Changes and Impact on Prospects for Youth

To provide an analysis of the effects and implications of recent and projected out-migration and intra-provincial population shifts.

Topic 7: Taking Advantage of Strategic Location, and Challenges of Global Economy

To provide an analysis of the dynamics of current and potential change in the global economy and the policy implications of adapting to that change in Newfoundland and Labrador.

To provide assessment of changing economic and social conditions in rural communities and policy oriented to them in a broad Canadian context.

To provide an assessment of how other countries or regions facing challenges similar to Newfoundland and Labrador have adapted to social and economic change.

To provide an assessment of the changing roles of women, and implications for rural and urban development.

To undertake a survey and draw conclusions about successful achievement by small and medium sized businesses and not for profit organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Overview Paper on our Relationship with St-Pierre and Miquelon (SPM)

To provide information on this Province’s relationships with St. Pierre and Miquelon and on how those relationships might be strengthened to our mutual benefit.

To provide an assessment of the role of knowledge generation through Research and Development and through post-secondary education and training in the Newfoundland and Labrador economy.