Series 7 - Research

3.06m of textual records

Series consists of records documenting Prof. Fletcher’s research activity. It includes substantial coverage of his work within two major projects, The Charter Project and the Australian Rights Project. Series also includes additional smaller-scale studies as well as miscellaneous research files. Records relate to both the administration of these projects as well as their findings. See listing of component sections below.

Canadian attitudes towards the Charter of Rights and Freedoms: This section contains records related to research on Canadian attitudes towards civil liberties and is comprised primarily of material from the Charter Project (1986-1990) which was conducted with fellow investigators Paul Sniderman, Peter Russell, and Philip Tetlock. This research project investigated how the recent adoption of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms was reflected in Canadian attitudes towards civil liberties among various population groups. This section includes additional records from projects that followed the Charter Project and reflect Prof. Fletcher’s continued research within the area. Material includes data print-outs, draft and final surveys, indices, correspondence, notes, progress documentation, and background material.

Australian Rights Project and comparative study: The Australian Rights Project (1988-1993), led by Brian Galligan, Ian McAllister, and Joseph Fletcher, investigated the level of Australian support for civil rights and freedoms. The study evaluated the beliefs of both the general public and a population of elites, mostly those in the legal community. The project was also designed to compare its results with those in other countries, in particular Canada. Material in this section includes data-print outs, notes, correspondence, indices, granting applications and records, recruitment material, research summaries, and background research.

Task Force on Foreign Students survey (University of Toronto): Records in this section relate to a study beginning in 1984 of international students at the University of Toronto organized by the Task Force on Foreign Students. The mail survey evaluated the overall experiences of foreign students at the University looking in particular at academic, financial, and personal issues faced. Material includes data, notes, reports, and background material.

Survey of Recent and Current Doctoral Students at the University of Toronto: Records in this section relate to a survey conducted regarding the attitudes, issues, and practices surrounding doctoral dissertations at the University between 1989 and 1991. The study was organized by the Committee on the Role and Nature of the Doctoral Dissertation on behalf of the Dean of Graduate Studies. Material in this section includes data, reports, notes, surveys, and correspondence.

Miscellaneous research: Records in this section cover multiple projects and ancillary areas of research, including several survey-based projects: a recurring national election study; a 1993 referendum survey, and a survey of legal scholars and professionals. Additionally, the section includes research files on topics including party identification, Canada’s mission in Afghanistan, and same-sex marriage. Records comprise data print-outs, analysis, correspondence, reports, notes, and background material. Additionally, section contains copied and original material created by Prof. Fletcher’s former supervisor and colleague, Christian Bay.

Files are arranged into sections based on significant areas of study, followed by a section covering smaller projects and miscellaneous material. Files within each section are arranged chronologically.

The following files are restricted and subject to review under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA): B2015-0016/029(11); B2015-0016/037(08); B2015-0016/040(02)