This is the ninth edition of How Ottawa Spends. As in years past, this volume focuses largely on national priorities, federal spending and taxing. However, it also deals with the less visible underside of federal regulatory law and non-discretionary expenditures, such as the federal share of the Canada Assistance Plan. This is appropriate in terms of the theme of this volume: "Heading Into the Stretch". It is likely that this will be the last edition of How Ottawa Spends before the next federal election. Informed discussion and debate about the various federal responsibilities covered in this review are intended to spark public interest and help in consideration of the government record. It is hoped that the examination of the February 1988 budget and 1988-89 Estimates contained in this volume will also be illuminating.