The government of the day enjoys enormous freedom to enact legislation and exert its will on the population. On the sidelines of political power are other players who struggle to make their voices heard. This book looks at three groups on the outside looking in: the media, the opposition Canadian Alliance Party and its forerunners; and women. The author examines the contribution made by each of these outsiders, the challenges they face and the limitations they encounter. He also explores the circumstances and conditions needed to increase their influence and ensure their distant voices are heard.