‘Treating politics as a system of balance, not battle’: new book brings fresh insights into Mackenzie King and lessons for today’s leaders

Editor Patrice Dutil’s collection of essays in ‘The Enduring Riddle of Mackenzie King’ dives into the former prime minister’s personality, relationship with society, and policies—and why Canadian politicians ‘need to re-learn King’s statecraft.’
Imagining Canada into being

The narratives of nation building have always been aspirational, and for a country that holds itself to be just and tolerant, Canada’s past and present are rife with injustices and intolerances. Amid the prosperity, there remains poverty. Alongside compassion there is an ineradicable strain of selfishness. The project that is Canada is not yet finished. Long may it remain a work in progress.
‘An upset tummy of a book’: Mark Critch on anger, humour, and why he was itching to write

The comedian reflects on his latest book’s inspiration, including Donald Trump, national identity, and the chaos of Canadian politics.
Canadian war photography historian looks into Vimy Ridge

Carla-Jean Stokes’ book about William Ivor Castle’s work tells the stories behind the famous photographer’s First World War photos, including the ones he manipulated.
Q&A | ‘Treachery’ and ‘troublemaker’ MPs: why going against party leaders is verboten in Canadian politics

In the new book No I in Team, political scientist Alex Marland and his co-authors unpack why party discipline has gone too far.
The impossible office: why Canadian prime ministers fail

The Canadian prime ministership is an impossible office, demanding that its occupant simultaneously pass three unforgiving tests: political, managerial, and collegial. Fail one and you’re limping. Fail two and you’re finished. Justin Trudeau was wobbling on all three. One wonders how Mark Carney will fare.
For democracy, we have to make public life appealing again

Despite our county’s many strengths, our politics suffer from some formidable challenges. The national discourse has become more polarized, divisive, and nastier. Unfortunately, we aren’t alone. Democracies across the globe face similar, even more ominous predicaments.
Shaughnessy Cohen Prize finalists talk about their books

The $25,000 prize will be handed out on Sept. 24 in Ottawa at the Politics and the Pen event, the annual fundraiser for the Writers’ Trust of Canada.
Is Finland a model for Canada to counter disinformation?

The reported absence of significant attacks will likely continue to fuel the belief in democratic policy circles that Finland is a shining example other countries should follow in the fight against disinformation. But how practical is the hope that Finland can be a beacon for other democracies? Ecologically speaking, not very.
From power corridors to fiction world: former deputy minister Sheikh pens second novel

Munir Sheikh shared his upcoming book’s message and memories of working with now-Prime Minister Mark Carney as bureaucrats at Finance.