new edition of The Real Worlds of Canadian Politics renews this tradition and the case study approach established by the earlier editions. It zeroes in on five key areas of policy activity at the federal level during the late stages of the Chretien government and the beginning of the Paul Martin era. The volume considers the political and policy implications of deregulation in two vital industries -- airlines and banking -- whose claims that "bigger is better" in the globalized environment defied the general political desire for increased competition. And the hard politics of trade that have dogged governments since the Free Trade Agreement was signed is covered in a case study of the controversial Canada-US softwood lumber dispute. Highly charged and emotional issues that defy easy or traditional solutions are also addressed, such as those affecting First Nations and women. Case studies examine the real worlds of First Nations land claims as illustrated in one of the most dramatic accomplishments to date -- the Nisga'a settlement -- and the explosive issue of gun control after the Montreal massacre. The fourth edition of The Real Worlds of Canadian Politics is a collaborative enterprise, combining an editorial team and a superb research group comprising Karen Lochead, Andrea Migone, and Russell Williams of Simon Fraser University, and Samuel Bottomley of Carleton University.