For more than a century, Crown corporations have occupied a prominent place in our provincial and federal administrations and remain key instruments for implementing economic, social, and cultural policies. Some are true agents of economic and social development. Given their influence, the government assets they control, and the levers at their disposal to play an active role in the economy and reach out to citizens, their actions are widely scrutinized. The issues surrounding some of the largest federal and provincial Crown corporations such as Canada Post, CBC/Radio-Canada, Hydro-Quebec, Hydro One, SaskTel and provincial liquor retailers, are often the subject of sustained and passionate debate.