Saturday, July 5, 2025

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Book Review

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW | June 30, 2025
Mark Carney
On June 9, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada would spend and extra $9-billion on defence this fiscal year, to finally reach the military alliance's then-two per cent of GDP spending target. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW | June 30, 2025
FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW | June 30, 2025
Mark Carney
On June 9, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada would spend and extra $9-billion on defence this fiscal year, to finally reach the military alliance's then-two per cent of GDP spending target. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW | June 26, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney. In his new book, Andrew Coyne says he tries to show that centralized power is ‘worse here than in other countries.’
FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW | June 26, 2025
FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW | June 26, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney. In his new book, Andrew Coyne says he tries to show that centralized power is ‘worse here than in other countries.’
FeatureBY BRYCE C. TINGLE | May 19, 2025
Author Bryce C. Tingle on why he wrote this book: 'Business corporations are among the most important and powerful institutions in our society, but most Canadians don’t actually know how they are governed and who gets a say in what they do.' Book cover and author photograph courtesy of Cambridge University Press
FeatureBY BRYCE C. TINGLE | May 19, 2025
FeatureBY BRYCE C. TINGLE | May 19, 2025
Author Bryce C. Tingle on why he wrote this book: 'Business corporations are among the most important and powerful institutions in our society, but most Canadians don’t actually know how they are governed and who gets a say in what they do.' Book cover and author photograph courtesy of Cambridge University Press
Seized By Uncertainty: The Markets, Media and Special Interests That Shaped Canada’s Response to COVID-19, by Kevin Quigley, Kaitlynne Lowe, Sarah Moore, and Brianna Wolfe, published by McGill-Queen's University Press. Book cover and author photographs courtesy of McGill-Queen's University Press
Seized By Uncertainty: The Markets, Media and Special Interests That Shaped Canada’s Response to COVID-19, by Kevin Quigley, Kaitlynne Lowe, Sarah Moore, and Brianna Wolfe, published by McGill-Queen's University Press. Book cover and author photographs courtesy of McGill-Queen's University Press
FeatureBY JAMES B. KELLY | May 5, 2025
James B. Kelly: 'This book should be read by any prime minister or premier that contemplates using Section 33 of the Charter of Rights, in a pre-emptive fashion.' Book cover and author's photo courtesy of UBC Press
FeatureBY JAMES B. KELLY | May 5, 2025
FeatureBY JAMES B. KELLY | May 5, 2025
James B. Kelly: 'This book should be read by any prime minister or premier that contemplates using Section 33 of the Charter of Rights, in a pre-emptive fashion.' Book cover and author's photo courtesy of UBC Press
FeatureBY PAMELA CROSS | April 28, 2025
Author Pamela Cross' book, And Sometimes They Kill You: Confronting the Epidemic of Intimate Partner Violence is one of five books on this year's Donner Prize shortlist, and considered one of the best public policy books of the year. Book cover and photograph courtesy of
FeatureBY PAMELA CROSS | April 28, 2025
FeatureBY PAMELA CROSS | April 28, 2025
Author Pamela Cross' book, And Sometimes They Kill You: Confronting the Epidemic of Intimate Partner Violence is one of five books on this year's Donner Prize shortlist, and considered one of the best public policy books of the year. Book cover and photograph courtesy of
FeatureBY KATE MALLOY | April 21, 2025
Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured April 12, 2025, making an announcement on a campaign stop at the Tomlinson Environmental Services shop in Nepean, Ont. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY KATE MALLOY | April 21, 2025
FeatureBY KATE MALLOY | April 21, 2025
Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured April 12, 2025, making an announcement on a campaign stop at the Tomlinson Environmental Services shop in Nepean, Ont. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Authors Mou Haizhen and Michael Atkinson on why they wrote this book: 'We wrote Fiscal Choices out of a genuine concern for Canada’s capacity to cope with both short-term economic shocks and long term-fiscal challenges.' Book cover and photograph courtesy of the University of Toronto Press
Authors Mou Haizhen and Michael Atkinson on why they wrote this book: 'We wrote Fiscal Choices out of a genuine concern for Canada’s capacity to cope with both short-term economic shocks and long term-fiscal challenges.' Book cover and photograph courtesy of the University of Toronto Press
FeatureBY STEPHEN JEFFERY | April 21, 2025
Rose LeMay is the author of Ally Is a Verb. Book cover courtesy of Page Two and handout photograph
FeatureBY STEPHEN JEFFERY | April 21, 2025
FeatureBY STEPHEN JEFFERY | April 21, 2025
Rose LeMay is the author of Ally Is a Verb. Book cover courtesy of Page Two and handout photograph
FeatureBY JAMIE CARROLL | April 2, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre launched his campaign outside of the Museum of History in Gatineau, Que., on March 23. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
FeatureBY JAMIE CARROLL | April 2, 2025
FeatureBY JAMIE CARROLL | April 2, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre launched his campaign outside of the Museum of History in Gatineau, Que., on March 23. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
FeatureBY KATE MALLOY | March 1, 2025
Alasdair Roberts
Alasdair Roberts, author of 'The Adaptable Country,' says 'this is a book about the capacity of all Canadians to determine the future of their country. In other words, it is a book for Canadians who want to take back control.' Book cover and author photograph courtesy of McGill-Queen's University Press
FeatureBY KATE MALLOY | March 1, 2025
FeatureBY KATE MALLOY | March 1, 2025
Alasdair Roberts
Alasdair Roberts, author of 'The Adaptable Country,' says 'this is a book about the capacity of all Canadians to determine the future of their country. In other words, it is a book for Canadians who want to take back control.' Book cover and author photograph courtesy of McGill-Queen's University Press
FeatureBY CHRISTOPHER DORNAN | January 9, 2025
In his new book, Shadows of Tyranny, left, Ken McGoogan argues we're at a historical juncture, where an ascendant right—personified by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, right—is fed up with this system of laws, regulations, and institutions and means to rewrite them, writes Christopher Dornan. Book cover courtesy of Douglas & McIntyre and Trump photo courtesy of Commons Wikimedia
FeatureBY CHRISTOPHER DORNAN | January 9, 2025
FeatureBY CHRISTOPHER DORNAN | January 9, 2025
In his new book, Shadows of Tyranny, left, Ken McGoogan argues we're at a historical juncture, where an ascendant right—personified by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, right—is fed up with this system of laws, regulations, and institutions and means to rewrite them, writes Christopher Dornan. Book cover courtesy of Douglas & McIntyre and Trump photo courtesy of Commons Wikimedia
FeatureBY STEPHEN JEFFERY | January 2, 2025
Chrystia Freeland
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, with Chrystia Freeland prior to her resignation from cabinet. A new biography on Freeland details the former finance minister and deputy prime minister's past. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY STEPHEN JEFFERY | January 2, 2025
FeatureBY STEPHEN JEFFERY | January 2, 2025
Chrystia Freeland
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, with Chrystia Freeland prior to her resignation from cabinet. A new biography on Freeland details the former finance minister and deputy prime minister's past. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY MARK JOHNSON | December 23, 2024
Tonay Blair’s On Leadership describes the necessity of having a 'hinterland' of family, non-political friends, hobbies, and interests that keep you sane, grounded, and ultimately make you a better leader, writes Mark Johnson. Photograph courtesy of Wikipedia Commons
Opinion | BY MARK JOHNSON | December 23, 2024
Opinion | BY MARK JOHNSON | December 23, 2024
Tonay Blair’s On Leadership describes the necessity of having a 'hinterland' of family, non-political friends, hobbies, and interests that keep you sane, grounded, and ultimately make you a better leader, writes Mark Johnson. Photograph courtesy of Wikipedia Commons
FeatureBY STEPHEN JEFFERY | December 17, 2024
Chrystia Freeland
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, pictured Dec. 3, 2024, resigned from cabinet on Dec. 16. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY STEPHEN JEFFERY | December 17, 2024
FeatureBY STEPHEN JEFFERY | December 17, 2024
Chrystia Freeland
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, pictured Dec. 3, 2024, resigned from cabinet on Dec. 16. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY KATE MALLOY | December 16, 2024
Book covers courtesy of Penguin Random House Canada, Simon & Schuster, Véhicule Press, James Lorimer, Signal/McClelland & Stewart, Penguin Random House Canada, and McGill-Queen's University Press
FeatureBY KATE MALLOY | December 16, 2024
FeatureBY KATE MALLOY | December 16, 2024
Book covers courtesy of Penguin Random House Canada, Simon & Schuster, Véhicule Press, James Lorimer, Signal/McClelland & Stewart, Penguin Random House Canada, and McGill-Queen's University Press
FeatureBY BRUCE CAMPBELL | December 16, 2024
U.S. President Joe Biden, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Trudeau's office on Parliament Hill on March 24, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY BRUCE CAMPBELL | December 16, 2024
FeatureBY BRUCE CAMPBELL | December 16, 2024
U.S. President Joe Biden, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Trudeau's office on Parliament Hill on March 24, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY STEPHEN JEFFERY | December 16, 2024
Carol Off's At a Loss for Words: Conversation in an Age of Rage is a worthwhile assessment of the world we face, taking a step back from the daily news and examining why we're divided, how this has happened, and who stands to benefit the most from a polity that cannot find a common ground on basic reality. Photographs courtesy of Penguin Random House
FeatureBY STEPHEN JEFFERY | December 16, 2024
FeatureBY STEPHEN JEFFERY | December 16, 2024
Carol Off's At a Loss for Words: Conversation in an Age of Rage is a worthwhile assessment of the world we face, taking a step back from the daily news and examining why we're divided, how this has happened, and who stands to benefit the most from a polity that cannot find a common ground on basic reality. Photographs courtesy of Penguin Random House
FeatureBY PAUL PARK | December 16, 2024
Former Jean Chrétien-era foreign affairs minister Lloyd Axworthy, pictured in Ottawa on March 25, 2019. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
FeatureBY PAUL PARK | December 16, 2024
FeatureBY PAUL PARK | December 16, 2024
Former Jean Chrétien-era foreign affairs minister Lloyd Axworthy, pictured in Ottawa on March 25, 2019. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
FeatureBY KATE MALLOY | November 4, 2024
NDP MP Charlie Angus just released a new book, Dangerous Memory: Coming of Age in the Decade of Greed, his ninth book: 'I don’t think I would have been able to keep doing the political work if I didn’t nurture space for musical creativity and research.' Photograph courtesy of Paul Rincon and House of Anansi Press
FeatureBY KATE MALLOY | November 4, 2024
FeatureBY KATE MALLOY | November 4, 2024
NDP MP Charlie Angus just released a new book, Dangerous Memory: Coming of Age in the Decade of Greed, his ninth book: 'I don’t think I would have been able to keep doing the political work if I didn’t nurture space for musical creativity and research.' Photograph courtesy of Paul Rincon and House of Anansi Press
FeatureBY CHRISTOPHER DORNAN | October 30, 2024
Justin Trudeau, left, Pierre Poilievre, and Jagmeet Singh. Author Jonathan Manthorpe insists our representative democracy is crucially misrepresentative. The first-past-the-post electoral system skews the outcome, so the governments we get are a triple distortion of voters’ political will, writes Chris Dornan. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Andrew Meade
FeatureBY CHRISTOPHER DORNAN | October 30, 2024
FeatureBY CHRISTOPHER DORNAN | October 30, 2024
Justin Trudeau, left, Pierre Poilievre, and Jagmeet Singh. Author Jonathan Manthorpe insists our representative democracy is crucially misrepresentative. The first-past-the-post electoral system skews the outcome, so the governments we get are a triple distortion of voters’ political will, writes Chris Dornan. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Andrew Meade
FeatureBY CHRISTOPHER DORNAN | June 10, 2024
Hot tickets: Stephen Maher's The Prince: The Turbulent Reign of Justin Trudeau, and Paul Wells' Justin Trudeau on the Ropes are must-reads this spring. Images courtesy of Simon & Schuster, Sutherland House, and The Hill Times photographs by Jake Wright
FeatureBY CHRISTOPHER DORNAN | June 10, 2024
FeatureBY CHRISTOPHER DORNAN | June 10, 2024
Hot tickets: Stephen Maher's The Prince: The Turbulent Reign of Justin Trudeau, and Paul Wells' Justin Trudeau on the Ropes are must-reads this spring. Images courtesy of Simon & Schuster, Sutherland House, and The Hill Times photographs by Jake Wright
FeatureBY KATE MALLOY | May 27, 2024
Justin Trudeau: 'The contrast between the vision that Mr. Poilievre is putting forward and what we continue to work for every single day couldn't be clearer, couldn't be crisper. As a competitor, as a leader, as someone committed to this country, being there for that conversation with Canadians touches me at the ore of what I feel my purpose is.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY KATE MALLOY | May 27, 2024
FeatureBY KATE MALLOY | May 27, 2024
Justin Trudeau: 'The contrast between the vision that Mr. Poilievre is putting forward and what we continue to work for every single day couldn't be clearer, couldn't be crisper. As a competitor, as a leader, as someone committed to this country, being there for that conversation with Canadians touches me at the ore of what I feel my purpose is.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY CHRISTOPHER DORNAN | May 6, 2024
Not Here: Why American Democracy is Eroding and How Canada Can Protect Itself, by Rob Goodman, and Canada: Beyond Grudges, Grievances, and Disunity, by Donald J. Savoie, McGill-Queen’s University Press. Book covers courtesy Simon & Schuster Canada and McGill-Queen's University Press
FeatureBY CHRISTOPHER DORNAN | May 6, 2024
FeatureBY CHRISTOPHER DORNAN | May 6, 2024
Not Here: Why American Democracy is Eroding and How Canada Can Protect Itself, by Rob Goodman, and Canada: Beyond Grudges, Grievances, and Disunity, by Donald J. Savoie, McGill-Queen’s University Press. Book covers courtesy Simon & Schuster Canada and McGill-Queen's University Press
FeatureBY STEPHEN JEFFERY | May 6, 2024
An aerial view of the aftermath of wildfire in Fort McMurray, Alta.,as seen in September 2016. Flickr photo by Jason Woodhead
FeatureBY STEPHEN JEFFERY | May 6, 2024
FeatureBY STEPHEN JEFFERY | May 6, 2024
An aerial view of the aftermath of wildfire in Fort McMurray, Alta.,as seen in September 2016. Flickr photo by Jason Woodhead
FeatureBY JOHN VAILLANT | May 6, 2024
Author John Vaillant: 'Anyone concerned about the future of our nation, and why a—quarter of a million—Canadians were forced to flee their homes due to wildfires last summer.' Book cover and photo courtesy Knopf Canada
FeatureBY JOHN VAILLANT | May 6, 2024
FeatureBY JOHN VAILLANT | May 6, 2024
Author John Vaillant: 'Anyone concerned about the future of our nation, and why a—quarter of a million—Canadians were forced to flee their homes due to wildfires last summer.' Book cover and photo courtesy Knopf Canada
FeatureBY ROB GOODMAN | May 6, 2024
Rob Goodman: 'Our future depends on our mental independence from America. We can’t effectively protect our own institutions—from parliamentary government to a remarkable openness to immigration—without understanding what makes them our own. We can’t aspire to anything meaningfully better until we are secure in our difference.' Book cover and author photograph courtesy of Simon & Schuster
FeatureBY ROB GOODMAN | May 6, 2024
FeatureBY ROB GOODMAN | May 6, 2024
Rob Goodman: 'Our future depends on our mental independence from America. We can’t effectively protect our own institutions—from parliamentary government to a remarkable openness to immigration—without understanding what makes them our own. We can’t aspire to anything meaningfully better until we are secure in our difference.' Book cover and author photograph courtesy of Simon & Schuster
FeatureBY MICHAEL HARRIS | December 21, 2020
Perhaps the biggest lesson of Norman Webster’s book is that Canada is certainly not 'dull as a snowbank, with politicians to match.' As he notes, humanity, tolerance and decency unite us. 'What is important is to run well and honestly, with as much human grace as possible—not forgetting, too, to take joy in the running, to laugh at life’s absurdities as well as weep at it’s cruelties.' Photograph handout
FeatureBY MICHAEL HARRIS | December 21, 2020
FeatureBY MICHAEL HARRIS | December 21, 2020
Perhaps the biggest lesson of Norman Webster’s book is that Canada is certainly not 'dull as a snowbank, with politicians to match.' As he notes, humanity, tolerance and decency unite us. 'What is important is to run well and honestly, with as much human grace as possible—not forgetting, too, to take joy in the running, to laugh at life’s absurdities as well as weep at it’s cruelties.' Photograph handout
FeatureBY KATE MALLOY | December 21, 2020
FeatureBY KATE MALLOY | December 21, 2020
FeatureBY KATE MALLOY | December 21, 2020
FeatureBY KATE MALLOY | December 21, 2020
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured speaking at a Liberal caucus meeting in Ottawa on Jan. 23, 2020. Asked why Canadian Parliamentarians so rarely stray from party boundaries, Alex Marland says a big reason that MPs toe the line is that they perceive too many negative consequences for breaking ranks. At a minimum, someone from the leader’s office or whip’s office is going to phone to ask what’s going on, and some caucus members will probably give you an earful. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY KATE MALLOY | December 21, 2020
FeatureBY KATE MALLOY | December 21, 2020
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured speaking at a Liberal caucus meeting in Ottawa on Jan. 23, 2020. Asked why Canadian Parliamentarians so rarely stray from party boundaries, Alex Marland says a big reason that MPs toe the line is that they perceive too many negative consequences for breaking ranks. At a minimum, someone from the leader’s office or whip’s office is going to phone to ask what’s going on, and some caucus members will probably give you an earful. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY JIM CRESKEY | November 19, 2020
Doug Roche, 91, one of Canada's leading advocates for peace, just self-published another book, Recover: Peace Prospects in the Biden Era, which offers hope 'in the urgent agenda for human security.' The Hill Times photograph by Samantha Wright Allen
Opinion | BY JIM CRESKEY | November 19, 2020
Opinion | BY JIM CRESKEY | November 19, 2020
Doug Roche, 91, one of Canada's leading advocates for peace, just self-published another book, Recover: Peace Prospects in the Biden Era, which offers hope 'in the urgent agenda for human security.' The Hill Times photograph by Samantha Wright Allen
FeatureBY AIDAN CHAMANDY | September 21, 2020
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on March 16, 2016, announcing Canada's bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. The ultimately unsuccessful campaign for the seat had all the hallmarks of a partisan campaign, something that Adam Chapnick says is detrimental to Canada's success on the UNSC. Prime Minister's Office photo courtesy of Adam Scotti
FeatureBY AIDAN CHAMANDY | September 21, 2020
FeatureBY AIDAN CHAMANDY | September 21, 2020
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on March 16, 2016, announcing Canada's bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. The ultimately unsuccessful campaign for the seat had all the hallmarks of a partisan campaign, something that Adam Chapnick says is detrimental to Canada's success on the UNSC. Prime Minister's Office photo courtesy of Adam Scotti
FeatureBY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN | September 21, 2020
Author and former lawyer Harold Johnson’s book Peace and Good Order relays his experience working in the legal system and his conclusion that it can’t bring Indigenous people justice. Photograph courtesy of Calvin Fehr
FeatureBY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN | September 21, 2020
FeatureBY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN | September 21, 2020
Author and former lawyer Harold Johnson’s book Peace and Good Order relays his experience working in the legal system and his conclusion that it can’t bring Indigenous people justice. Photograph courtesy of Calvin Fehr
FeatureBY MIKE LAPOINTE | September 21, 2020
'I think that one of the most important themes from the book are the attacks and intimidation of Canadians of Chinese, Tibetan, Uighur, and Taiwanese-heritage here in Canada,' says journalist Jonathan Manthorpe, author of Claws of the Panda. Photographs courtesy of Jonathan Manthorpe, Cormorant Books
FeatureBY MIKE LAPOINTE | September 21, 2020
FeatureBY MIKE LAPOINTE | September 21, 2020
'I think that one of the most important themes from the book are the attacks and intimidation of Canadians of Chinese, Tibetan, Uighur, and Taiwanese-heritage here in Canada,' says journalist Jonathan Manthorpe, author of Claws of the Panda. Photographs courtesy of Jonathan Manthorpe, Cormorant Books
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | September 21, 2020
A sparse number of MPs, pictured May 13, 2020, in the House of Commons for a meeting of the Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic. Lost on Division is a significant contribution to research about the Parliament of Canada and parliamentary parties. It is the only comprehensive study of Canadian MPs’ voting behaviour from Confederation to present day and offers a new way of tracing the evolution of party discipline. It makes a convincing argument that if MPs truly want more individual clout, they will need to band together to change the standing orders, writes Alex Marland. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | September 21, 2020
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | September 21, 2020
A sparse number of MPs, pictured May 13, 2020, in the House of Commons for a meeting of the Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic. Lost on Division is a significant contribution to research about the Parliament of Canada and parliamentary parties. It is the only comprehensive study of Canadian MPs’ voting behaviour from Confederation to present day and offers a new way of tracing the evolution of party discipline. It makes a convincing argument that if MPs truly want more individual clout, they will need to band together to change the standing orders, writes Alex Marland. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN | September 21, 2020
Law professor Kent Roach offers a close legal analysis of the Gerald Stanley trial as well as the social and political backdrop in his new book Canadian Justice, Indigenous Injustice: The Gerald Stanley and Colten Boushie Case. Photograph courtesy of Kent Roach
FeatureBY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN | September 21, 2020
FeatureBY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN | September 21, 2020
Law professor Kent Roach offers a close legal analysis of the Gerald Stanley trial as well as the social and political backdrop in his new book Canadian Justice, Indigenous Injustice: The Gerald Stanley and Colten Boushie Case. Photograph courtesy of Kent Roach
FeatureBY BEATRICE PAEZ | September 21, 2020
The fear of hitting a ceiling and spending the rest of her career as a county court judge almost dissuaded Canada's first female chief justice of the Supreme Court Beverley McLachlin from accepting a spot on the bench. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY BEATRICE PAEZ | September 21, 2020
FeatureBY BEATRICE PAEZ | September 21, 2020
The fear of hitting a ceiling and spending the rest of her career as a county court judge almost dissuaded Canada's first female chief justice of the Supreme Court Beverley McLachlin from accepting a spot on the bench. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade