These papers include (handwritten and typed): manuscripts, drafts, journal publications, volumes and collections of his work, articles and reviews of his work; volumes of other poets work; personal correspondence and poems from the likes of Margaret Atwood, Milton Acorn, Earle Birney and Irving Layton; photos; vinyl cuts; audio recordings

The collection consists primarily of correspondence, photographs and memorabilia documenting Allison’s friendship and political association with John Diefenbaker – starting with Allison’s advice to Diefenbaker about his leadership convention in 1948. In addition to correspondence, there are a few detailed notes to file documenting conversations between Allison and Diefenbaker, including a 19-page document entitled “Notes on the Election of the Diefenbaker Government” (1957), which also covers the appointment of Diefenbaker’s first cabinet.