The Essay Workplace, First Canadian Edition, focuses on the steps of essay writing. From brainstorming, word choice and grammar to more sophisticated modes of development, the process of writing is emphasized. With such an emphasis comes an outstanding selection of exercises and assignments. Many reviewers have commented that the opportunities for writing individually and writing collaboratively are a distinctive feature of this text. Furthermore, the practice is prefaced with clear, orderly explanations. Students are also able to correct their own work, as answers to selected exercises are included.

Based on the successful American edition of the same text, the author has added Canadian popular and literary culture to the examples and readings.