On Canadian Democracy

by Jonathan Manthorpe

Using the decrepit state of 24 Sussex Drive, the official residence of the Prime Minister of Canada, as a metaphor for Canada’s democracy, Jonathan Manthorpe examines the foundations, supports, and systems that are meant to keep our parliament a representative body, an actual voice of the people, and he offers insight as to how this institution can be renovated to the benefit of all.

Jonathan Manthorpe is the author of the national bestseller, Claws of the Beijing’s Campaign of Influence and Intimidation in Canada, and Restoring Democracy in an Age of Populists and Pestilence.

Genres: Politics, Canada, History, Nonfiction

216 pages, Paperback

Published June 8, 2024

About the author

Jonathan Manthorpe is the author of three books on international relations, politics, and history. Over his forty-year career as a journalist, he has been the foreign correspondent in Asia, Africa, and Europe for Southam News, the European Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star, and the national political reporter for The Globe and Mail. For the last few years, he has been based in Victoria, British Columbia.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Canada recently went through an election, pushing up against some turbulent times south of the border, I took it upon myself to do more reading about Canadian politics and what some have been discussing. That went well, though I did not get to finish all I had hoped. One book that remained unread was this one by Jonathan Manthorpe. In it, the author tackles many of the great fundamental issues, which he discusses with grace and confidence. While I did not agree with it all, there were some poignant moments well worth my time. Jonathan Manthorpe's writing is easy to comprehend and his arguments are sound.

Manthorpe opens the discussion by comparing Canadian democracy to the state of the prime minister's residence, which had been in the news quite a bit. Worn down and full of holes, the house is in dire need of repair (even still), which is something Manthorpe feels is also the case for Canada.
He discusses the various political and social issues that have arisen, using solid arguments and well-expressed examples. His views are well-rounded and do not stray too close to either of the major political parties. He tackles Parliament, the Governor-General, and even the courts, all of which are limping along and need major changes. He leaves much time to refer to the Constitution as well, citing its shortcomings since the Charter of Rights and Freedoms came to be, and how Parliament lost its teeth thereafter. I won't spoil it here, but the brief tome is well worth a gander, as it surely has some great ideas worthy of further discussion (and my virtual door is always open).

While I cannot accept some of his arguments, they were solid and well put forward. I was eager to see how Manthorpe would draw needed parallels to certain areas and he did so with ease. His chapters flowed from one to another without the need for a great deal of baggage, though they were also highly impactful. I am impressed with everything that he brought to the table and liked his perspectives. I can see he has his head on straight and is not simply venting to be heard. I am eager to read more by Jonathan Manthorpe to see where we might agree on other things in the future.

Kudos, Mr. Manthorpe, for a refreshing read!

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[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

On Canadian Democracy, by Jonathan Manthorpe, is an interesting book exploring some of the challenges facing Canadian democracy. Manthrope discusses many issues facing Canadian democracy; interference by US cultural imperialism, low voter turnout, conflict between the Federal, Provincial and local governments, issues with the Canadian constitution, and challenges of indigenous relations, and Quebec separatism, to name a few. Manthrope writes with a journalistic bend, offering criticism based on a life working in political journalism in this country. Many of the concepts and ideas are fascinating to this reader. The book discusses, at a high level, the challenges faced by attempted constitutional reform during the Meech Lake Accord, reform of the Senate during the Harper era (including a fascinating tidbit on the UK's Commissioner of Public Appointments), and Harper's Vice-Regal appointment committee, tasked with attempting to appoint a Governor General. Many of these issues revolve around Canada's ability to respond to issues promptly, and the strange half-measures this country has taken to try and both move forward, and not break things. Canada's attempt at good-government has often led to rather conservative (read, slow) attempts at reform. This is both good and bad. Canadian's are, on the whole, change averse. However, they are also deeply concerned with the actions of government. This has led to issues of voter dissatisfaction, low voter turnout, and a breach in connection between government and public. These are major issues for the stability and longevity of this country, especially in the face of threats to our sovereignty and territorial integrity coming from the United States.

This book is sparse on solutions at some level, but is a good and brief look at some of the challenges facing Canadian democracy. It is an excellent starting point for those looking for an overview of some of these challenges, as well as interesting tidbits on governance, transparency, and the technical details of politics in Canada's democracy. This was a good read, and worth a look as a modern introduction and musing on the system as a whole.

[Matthew]

some decent ideas throughout, but desperately needs an editor and a researcher to better support them.

[Mattias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent polemic on the issues plaguing Canadian parliamentary democracy and the author delves deep into the issues relating to the well-being of our society and the degradation of our institutions and the effect it has on our official's accountability and ethics. Furthermore, the author offers his opinion on changing First-past-the-post voting and what would be some potential suitors to replace that form of voting.

I recommend this book to anyone desiring a deeper understanding of the problems besetting Canada's democratic institutions.

[Dave Hambleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a sometimes disillusioned Canadian Studies teacher, I was hoping ON CANADIAN DEMOCRACY by Jonathan Manthorpe would assuage my pessimism toward our system of government, but it has only amplified it. When introducing governance to my students, I often suggest you could argue Canada isn’t truly a democracy. I tell them I’m not sure I would make that argument, but it can be made. After reading ON CANADIAN DEMOCRACY, if you’ll allow me to be as hyperbolic as the author is at times, I’m not sure I could argue we are a democracy.

[Dylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a Canadian, you should read this book. Its short, and relatively accessible.

While I don't agree with everything in it, it gives an important analysis of the problems at the core of our country, and prescriptions worth considering when it comes to tackling them.

Very insightful. Very important.

[David Cavaco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought-provoking analysis of Canada's past and future as a prosperous, inclusive and democratic country. Journalist Jonathan Manthorpe argues that Parliament's rightful authority has been usurped by an unelected Supreme Court and an unaccountable bureaucracy; resulting in the premise that Canada is less democratic and free than one might naturally assume. Despite the inner-political workings of

[maria eileen🧸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only thing missing from this book and its cover are the construction cranes that are perpetually hanging around the parliament buildings

[Parker Lapointe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very insightful read that taught me a lot about the history of modern day Canadian political structures and sensibilities. It touches on a wide range of topics that are extremely relevant to today’s world, and each topic is given the weight it deserves. Highly recommend for anyone interested in politics and learning more about the Canadian parliamentary system.

[Alessia Iafano · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read this year. Manthorpe takes an outsider perspective to Canadian politics, and gives insights only a true insider would be able to give. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to get a crash course in Canadian politics.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In terms of analysis, there is little new here. But that is because the complacency at the root of Canadian public life is so firm. The details are new, but the story does not change. And here, it's told swiftly, forcefully, and well.

[Aidan Bonner · Rating 3 out of 5]

In one of the most volatile moments for democracies worldwide, this is a timely read that highlights the cracks in Canada’s foundations. While it really doesn’t break new ground, it thoughtfully examines the structures that shape our government, for better or worse.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear picture of where we are as a country and some good ideas about how to get out of the mess we're in. Unfortunately, I don't see the political will to affect any of the changes required.

[Rico · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly pertinent. Never realized how at odds Canada’s parliamentary and constitutional systems are sometimes

[Reader]

Very poignant – accurately and succinctly addresses the problems facing the Canadian political system and the ways to abate them. It does, however, worry me that many of these issues will go unaddressed and that the state of Canadian democracy continues to hurtle towards disrepair and fails to heed the blaring warnings of the global rise of right-wing populism and authoritarianism.