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Irresponsible Government: The Decline of Parliamentary Democracy in Canada
Irresponsible Government examines the current state of Canadian democracy in contrast to the founding principles of responsible government established by the Fathers of Confederation in 1867. The book examines the failure of modern elected representatives to perform their constitutionally mandated duty to hold the prime minister and his cabinet to account. It further examines the modern lack of separation between the executive and legislative branches of government and the disregard with which the executive views Parliament. The book seeks to shine light on the current power imbalances that have developed in Canadian government. Through an examination of the foundation principles of our parliamentary system and their subsequent erosion, Irresponsible Government seeks methods through which we can begin to recalibrate and correct these power imbalances and restore electoral accountability.
- GenresPoliticsNonfictionCanada
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
4 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Brent Rathgeber
2 booksBrent Rathgeber is a Canadian lawyer and sitting Member of Parliament. He was elected as a Conservative in 2008 and 2011. On June 5, 2013, he resigned from the Conservative caucus to sit as an Independent in protest over the government's lack of support for transparency and accountability. He lives in Edmonton.
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January 24, 2025
As Canada prepares for some turbulent times south of the border, it would be remiss not to talk about some of the political fallout within our own borders as well. An election is sure to occur by October 2025 and I wanted to do a little Election Prep for Canada, as I have done for US presidential elections in years past. We have a prime minister who has resigned due to some really poor polling numbers and a salivating Leader of the Opposition wanting to topple the tower right away for his own benefit. This entire experience could be extra fun, as there are whispers from on high in Washington that the upcoming election could be the last for Canada as a sovereign country before we become the 51st state. Let’s see where this reading journey takes us!
The role of government within Canada's parliamentary process has changed a great deal over the last number of years. Former Member of Parliament (MP) Brent Rathgeber explores this in his well-researched book. Examining the Canadian parliamentary system from a historical perspective, Rathgeber provides the reader with the foundational (read: textbook) perspectives and applies this to the reality of what takes place. Canada's governmental system is less responsible and representative, choosing to allow the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and the Prime Minister themselves to dictate how things ought to go. Rathgeber pulls no punches and explores all angles, leaving the curious reader with a better understanding of the plight of Canadian parliamentary democracy!
In his aptly named and well-documented book, former MP Brent Rathgeber explores the history of responsible government in Canada, while also showing how it has missed the mark. In the opening chapters, the book lays the groundwork for what is to come by presenting the reader with a history of parliamentary democracy and the essential role of responsible government--a concept whereby the government, who represent the Crown, is held accountable by and is deemed responsible to the larger parliamentary body. This is a central tenet to the Canadian parliamentary system, though Rathgeber feels that things have fallen short of late, with a focus too much on the government as an untouchable entity that must be protected from parliament or the electorate until it is time to elect new MPs.
While the system has not always been broken, the slide towards power concentration began after the Fathers of Confederation penned the Constitution and its numerous rules. As Rathgeber effectively argues, the roles of prime minister and member of Cabinet have morphed into ultimate power controllers, which contravenes with the rules the Fathers sought to put in place. This concentration ruins not only the parliamentary system, but also dilutes the heart of the entire process. There is no longer a challenge to ensure the House of Commons (and Senate) is able to hold the government accountable. Rather, members of the largest party are expected to support the government to ensure it remains in power. Baffling, but true, Rathgeber offers numerous examples as he explores all angles from his time in Parliament, as well as some key examples from history.
While the system is broken, it is not without hope. Rathgeber makes clear that there is a path to success, should those bodies charged with making a difference seek to put their teeth in and do what is asked of them. The book explores a number of groups that make up the larger parliamentary machine, some inside the elected bubble and others on the outside. With dedication and determination, something can be done and Canada might return to a parliamentary democracy whose pillars are strong. Canadians must have trust in the institutions that create the larger political arena and Brent Rathgeber's book highlights many of the areas that cannot be ignored.
While I am a political scientist by education and a lover of political commentary by nature, there are many things in this ever-changing world that pique my interest. The premise of responsible government is not new to me, but Brent Rathgeber offers up an insider's view of how textbook and reality are diametrically opposed. Throughout this well-researched and presented book, Rathgeber offers up key analyses that help the attentive and curious reader to see the Canadian shortcomings and from where they originate. Each chapter is full of great information, as well as explaining key concepts that will aid in better understanding the broader themes of Canadian politics and the parliamentary system. I can use this to explore parties, governments, and candidates in the upcoming election, as well as see where the pitfalls might be in the near future, as Canadians choose a legislature, which will determine the governing party. I took much away from this book and hope others who share my passion will as well.
Kudos, Mr. Rathgeber, for this great analysis of the Canadian parliamentary system.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
The role of government within Canada's parliamentary process has changed a great deal over the last number of years. Former Member of Parliament (MP) Brent Rathgeber explores this in his well-researched book. Examining the Canadian parliamentary system from a historical perspective, Rathgeber provides the reader with the foundational (read: textbook) perspectives and applies this to the reality of what takes place. Canada's governmental system is less responsible and representative, choosing to allow the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and the Prime Minister themselves to dictate how things ought to go. Rathgeber pulls no punches and explores all angles, leaving the curious reader with a better understanding of the plight of Canadian parliamentary democracy!
In his aptly named and well-documented book, former MP Brent Rathgeber explores the history of responsible government in Canada, while also showing how it has missed the mark. In the opening chapters, the book lays the groundwork for what is to come by presenting the reader with a history of parliamentary democracy and the essential role of responsible government--a concept whereby the government, who represent the Crown, is held accountable by and is deemed responsible to the larger parliamentary body. This is a central tenet to the Canadian parliamentary system, though Rathgeber feels that things have fallen short of late, with a focus too much on the government as an untouchable entity that must be protected from parliament or the electorate until it is time to elect new MPs.
While the system has not always been broken, the slide towards power concentration began after the Fathers of Confederation penned the Constitution and its numerous rules. As Rathgeber effectively argues, the roles of prime minister and member of Cabinet have morphed into ultimate power controllers, which contravenes with the rules the Fathers sought to put in place. This concentration ruins not only the parliamentary system, but also dilutes the heart of the entire process. There is no longer a challenge to ensure the House of Commons (and Senate) is able to hold the government accountable. Rather, members of the largest party are expected to support the government to ensure it remains in power. Baffling, but true, Rathgeber offers numerous examples as he explores all angles from his time in Parliament, as well as some key examples from history.
While the system is broken, it is not without hope. Rathgeber makes clear that there is a path to success, should those bodies charged with making a difference seek to put their teeth in and do what is asked of them. The book explores a number of groups that make up the larger parliamentary machine, some inside the elected bubble and others on the outside. With dedication and determination, something can be done and Canada might return to a parliamentary democracy whose pillars are strong. Canadians must have trust in the institutions that create the larger political arena and Brent Rathgeber's book highlights many of the areas that cannot be ignored.
While I am a political scientist by education and a lover of political commentary by nature, there are many things in this ever-changing world that pique my interest. The premise of responsible government is not new to me, but Brent Rathgeber offers up an insider's view of how textbook and reality are diametrically opposed. Throughout this well-researched and presented book, Rathgeber offers up key analyses that help the attentive and curious reader to see the Canadian shortcomings and from where they originate. Each chapter is full of great information, as well as explaining key concepts that will aid in better understanding the broader themes of Canadian politics and the parliamentary system. I can use this to explore parties, governments, and candidates in the upcoming election, as well as see where the pitfalls might be in the near future, as Canadians choose a legislature, which will determine the governing party. I took much away from this book and hope others who share my passion will as well.
Kudos, Mr. Rathgeber, for this great analysis of the Canadian parliamentary system.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
December 4, 2014
This is the most depressing book I've read this year.
Rathgeber, now sitting as an independent in Parliament, is free to write without repercussion from political masters on what exactly he feels is wrong not only with the current Conservative government, but with the fundamental structure of Canadian government in general.
His main contention is that the federal government has become little more than an elected dictatorship for two reasons, the first being the concentration of power around the Prime Minister's Office (a trend greatly accelerated by Stephen Harper, who prefers absolute control) and the second being the failure of MPs to act as a balance against the government/PM by being little more than cheerleaders for the governing party or powerless members of opposition who simply rail against everything the government does to better position themselves as a "government in waiting."
He offers some solutions, some of which already exist in BC (recall and citizen initiatives), most of which make MPs more accountable to their constituents and less so to party leadership. One can argue about the details of his suggestions but it's difficult to deny the reasons calling for reform.
Rathgeber even surprised me by presenting persuasive reasons for reforming the Senate rather than just shoving it into the ocean, my previously preferred solution.
One of the biggest problems we face in Canada or any democracy, is a disengaged electorate. It lets politicians--and governments--get away with too many things. Politics is depressing and this book, despite presenting solutions after laying out a disheartening litany of problems with our system, is also depressing. But it's short and whether you're a fiscal conservative (like Rathgeber) or a tree-hugging socialist (I'm somewhere between the two extremes), you should read it. And tell your MP to read it.
Rathgeber, now sitting as an independent in Parliament, is free to write without repercussion from political masters on what exactly he feels is wrong not only with the current Conservative government, but with the fundamental structure of Canadian government in general.
His main contention is that the federal government has become little more than an elected dictatorship for two reasons, the first being the concentration of power around the Prime Minister's Office (a trend greatly accelerated by Stephen Harper, who prefers absolute control) and the second being the failure of MPs to act as a balance against the government/PM by being little more than cheerleaders for the governing party or powerless members of opposition who simply rail against everything the government does to better position themselves as a "government in waiting."
He offers some solutions, some of which already exist in BC (recall and citizen initiatives), most of which make MPs more accountable to their constituents and less so to party leadership. One can argue about the details of his suggestions but it's difficult to deny the reasons calling for reform.
Rathgeber even surprised me by presenting persuasive reasons for reforming the Senate rather than just shoving it into the ocean, my previously preferred solution.
One of the biggest problems we face in Canada or any democracy, is a disengaged electorate. It lets politicians--and governments--get away with too many things. Politics is depressing and this book, despite presenting solutions after laying out a disheartening litany of problems with our system, is also depressing. But it's short and whether you're a fiscal conservative (like Rathgeber) or a tree-hugging socialist (I'm somewhere between the two extremes), you should read it. And tell your MP to read it.
March 15, 2016
Brent Rathgeber until the fall of 2015 was a Member of Parliament for Edmonton-St. Albert, and in the 2015 election he was an independent candidate for St. Albert-Edmonton. He partnered with Dundurn Press to share his impressions with the failings of the Canadian parliamentary system. This book, if nothing else, is a fascinating snapshot of the Canadian political landscape in 2013. It would be foolish to dismiss this book as an anti-Harper book from a disgruntled former MP. Rathgeber offers a thoughtful deconstruction of Canadian governance from the perspective of an insider, a man with a particular ideology, and a person who believes in responsible government.
Rathgeber, for context, was an elected representative from 2008 to 2015. He was elected as a Conservative. He was a strong MP who sat on the backbenches. He began running afoul of the Prime Minister's Office over issues of substance early on. The breaking point came when his private member's bill to disclose the salaries and responsibilities of civil servants over a certain amount, similar to the sunshine list in Ontario, was gutted. On orders from the PMO the minimum was raised to over $300000, making it essentially useless. He resigned as a member of Conservative caucus and afterwards became a much more outspoken critic of the Stephen Harper government. That all said, this is not a partisan rant, or an excuse for Rathgeber to sharpen knifes and get back at old slights.
The title of the book is taken from the loss of responsible government, the system by which the executive is held to account by the elected representatives of the people. Rathgeber suggests that the government in Canada today hardly reflects this initial principle in our governance. The decline of Canada's parliament has taken decades to unfold and has been the responsibility of Liberal and (Progressive) Conservative Prime Ministers. If you're familiar with my blog you are well-versed in the long list of problems, and Rathgeber shares his take on them. While I cannot recall if Rathgeber labels his ideological stance, but libertarian or fiscal conservative would probably be the best fit. He suggests that the tremendous growth of the government and social welfare programs and bureaucracies make it incredibly challenging for Members of Parliaments to properly scrutinize spending and understand it. It's a rarely heard argument.
The book is divided into brief, comprehensive chapters tackling a specific aspect of the problem: cabinet as a bloated, ineffective institution; convoluted program spending; excessive party discipline; centralization of power in the Prime Minister's Office; the toxic partisan atmosphere of the PMO; the ineffectiveness of the media and broken access to information laws.
While much of Rathgeber's arguments will be familiar to those familiar with this debate he does offer something new. His take on a couple of topics is different from what I've read elsewhere and so I imagine those fascinated by this subject will gain something valuable. Rathgeber also tackles the topic of electoral reform and possible solutions to our irresponsible government. The author thinks the system's original structure is worth preserving and therefore is hesitant about a total overall proportional representation would suggest, but alternative vote seems to appeal to him. One of the bolder recommendations he made was that outside of the Prime Minister the cabinet should be drawn from outside of the Parliament so that MPs can focus on the business of governing rather than try to fulfill their ambitions. It is a radical solution, which at first I rejected, but I think it might have real merit in the provinces where legislatures are smaller.
The book has some issues. Having been published in 2014 the book is remarkably of that time. The Mike Duffy scandal is very much unfolding and the future of the Harper ministry is unclear. Still the snapshot is very informative and does not hinder it a great deal. And for those who think the election of the Liberal government in 2015 fixes these problems I would suggest they consider the institutional flaws discussed in this text. Finally, the editing of this book was sloppy in places. In one chapter it appears two versions of a paragraph appear one after the other. There are a few instances when I rolled my eyes at the errors of the editor. Aside from these flaws this is a valuable text from a wonderful former Member of Parliament with insight to the crisis at the heart of our political life. Even the ideological disagreements between myself and the author helped to illustrate other potential issues and causes worth pondering. If only all our MPs could have this as a guide we'd be well on our way to a better, more responsible government.
You can follow me on Twitter @SLee_OT or at my blog at http://theorangetory.blogspot.ca/
Rathgeber, for context, was an elected representative from 2008 to 2015. He was elected as a Conservative. He was a strong MP who sat on the backbenches. He began running afoul of the Prime Minister's Office over issues of substance early on. The breaking point came when his private member's bill to disclose the salaries and responsibilities of civil servants over a certain amount, similar to the sunshine list in Ontario, was gutted. On orders from the PMO the minimum was raised to over $300000, making it essentially useless. He resigned as a member of Conservative caucus and afterwards became a much more outspoken critic of the Stephen Harper government. That all said, this is not a partisan rant, or an excuse for Rathgeber to sharpen knifes and get back at old slights.
The title of the book is taken from the loss of responsible government, the system by which the executive is held to account by the elected representatives of the people. Rathgeber suggests that the government in Canada today hardly reflects this initial principle in our governance. The decline of Canada's parliament has taken decades to unfold and has been the responsibility of Liberal and (Progressive) Conservative Prime Ministers. If you're familiar with my blog you are well-versed in the long list of problems, and Rathgeber shares his take on them. While I cannot recall if Rathgeber labels his ideological stance, but libertarian or fiscal conservative would probably be the best fit. He suggests that the tremendous growth of the government and social welfare programs and bureaucracies make it incredibly challenging for Members of Parliaments to properly scrutinize spending and understand it. It's a rarely heard argument.
The book is divided into brief, comprehensive chapters tackling a specific aspect of the problem: cabinet as a bloated, ineffective institution; convoluted program spending; excessive party discipline; centralization of power in the Prime Minister's Office; the toxic partisan atmosphere of the PMO; the ineffectiveness of the media and broken access to information laws.
While much of Rathgeber's arguments will be familiar to those familiar with this debate he does offer something new. His take on a couple of topics is different from what I've read elsewhere and so I imagine those fascinated by this subject will gain something valuable. Rathgeber also tackles the topic of electoral reform and possible solutions to our irresponsible government. The author thinks the system's original structure is worth preserving and therefore is hesitant about a total overall proportional representation would suggest, but alternative vote seems to appeal to him. One of the bolder recommendations he made was that outside of the Prime Minister the cabinet should be drawn from outside of the Parliament so that MPs can focus on the business of governing rather than try to fulfill their ambitions. It is a radical solution, which at first I rejected, but I think it might have real merit in the provinces where legislatures are smaller.
The book has some issues. Having been published in 2014 the book is remarkably of that time. The Mike Duffy scandal is very much unfolding and the future of the Harper ministry is unclear. Still the snapshot is very informative and does not hinder it a great deal. And for those who think the election of the Liberal government in 2015 fixes these problems I would suggest they consider the institutional flaws discussed in this text. Finally, the editing of this book was sloppy in places. In one chapter it appears two versions of a paragraph appear one after the other. There are a few instances when I rolled my eyes at the errors of the editor. Aside from these flaws this is a valuable text from a wonderful former Member of Parliament with insight to the crisis at the heart of our political life. Even the ideological disagreements between myself and the author helped to illustrate other potential issues and causes worth pondering. If only all our MPs could have this as a guide we'd be well on our way to a better, more responsible government.
You can follow me on Twitter @SLee_OT or at my blog at http://theorangetory.blogspot.ca/
September 12, 2014
When I heard the news they had found one of the ships from The Franklin Expedition, the historian/Indiana Jones/child in me was so excited I could feel my heart pounding. Was it the HMS Erebus or could it possibly be the HMS Terror? Stan Rogers’ memorable song, Northwest Passage playing in my head, I was thrilled this part of Canadian/British history had finally been found.
When Sir John Franklin, Royal Navy Officer and explorer left England in May 1845 for his 4th Arctic expedition, he and his men had no idea they were sailing into the history books, not for their discoveries but for their mysterious disappearance. The loss of the HMS Erebus and the HMS Terror and their crews inspired searches, songs, plays, books, rewards, statues, theories, and still do, to this day. It has all the hallmarks of a great story: exploration, hardship, mystery, bravery, lead poisoning, cannibalism, tuberculosis, scurvy.
Canada has an inferiority complex (and not a very good one). The U.S would have done a half-dozen blockbusters of this with the likes of: Bruce Willis as Franklin, Johnny Depp as Crozier, and Brad Pitt as Fitzjames.
The Franklin Expedition is the stuff of legend.
I’ve always been fascinated by history. Reading about The Franklin Expedition as a child and I wondered, was it possible some men survived and stayed in The North? There were alleged sightings of men from these ships as late as 1858, but who knows how much of that was tall tales. And I can’t resist Northwest Passage (Stan Rogers) combined with Paul Gross (Due South).
My excitement went into eclipse when the pragmatist in me realized how much finding this ship had cost and how much more it was going to cost to excavate the site. History is wonderful, but there are living people who are suffering. Our government alleges we don’t have enough money for: Veterans, affordable housing, social programs, disabled, food/water/transportation inspectors, environment, infrastructure, research, medical issues, Aboriginal issues, and the list goes on. This is like saying you’re going to fly over the Scotland to check out your ancestry when you can’t afford to make your mortgage payments or put a new roof on. Despite what the government is telling us, Canada doesn’t have its own house in order and until we do, we shouldn’t be spending taxpayers’ money on historical treasure hunts, no matter how cool they are.
There are many books on the current trend toward the right-wing, Tea Party-like movement in Canada, but I was stunned by the aptly titled, Irresponsible Government by former Conservative MP, Brent Rathgeber (Dundurn Books), who now sits as an Independent after leaving his party because they had become what they once mocked. Amazing foreword by Andrew Coyne (The NationalPost/CBC).
Rathgeber’s book is a scathing look inside the secretive and controlled world of the CPC. I imagine he’s not a popular guy with some of his former caucus and I’m sure he’s off the PM’s Christmas card list. This book is a declaration, I can almost picture Rathgaber in Twisted Sister (Dee Snider) garb singing, “We’re not gonna take it!”.
Sick of being a trained seal, Rathgeber stood up and said, No more! and tries to remind Canadians that we vote in legislators, not a government, but if those legislators just tow the party line we inadvertently voted for one voice instead of many. Politicians should be seeking service not power. Where are the checks and balances? Let’s ask the Senate, oh, nevermind.
Fascinating points about the death of fiscal accountability, and sadly, that’s not only under this government, they’ve just made a science out of it. Where has our access to information gone? Government keep information from its citizens, and we all know the media, if it bleeds, it leads. But where is our responsibility? We elect people that lie to us, then whine about them, and then elect them again or more just like them. Ironically, Rathgeber’s publishing company received financial support, tax credits, etc. from various Federal and Ontario programs to help publish this book.
Canada began a responsible government in 1848, the very year the British Admiralty launched a search for the Franklin expedition. Maybe we need to be reminded. We’ve had our ups and downs as a country, after all, we’re young, maybe we’re just going through our teen rebellion years. Let’s hope we find our way again before it’s too late.
History should remain a mystery until we have taken care of all those who are alive right here, right now.
http://yadadarcyyada.com/2014/09/10/t...
When Sir John Franklin, Royal Navy Officer and explorer left England in May 1845 for his 4th Arctic expedition, he and his men had no idea they were sailing into the history books, not for their discoveries but for their mysterious disappearance. The loss of the HMS Erebus and the HMS Terror and their crews inspired searches, songs, plays, books, rewards, statues, theories, and still do, to this day. It has all the hallmarks of a great story: exploration, hardship, mystery, bravery, lead poisoning, cannibalism, tuberculosis, scurvy.
Canada has an inferiority complex (and not a very good one). The U.S would have done a half-dozen blockbusters of this with the likes of: Bruce Willis as Franklin, Johnny Depp as Crozier, and Brad Pitt as Fitzjames.
The Franklin Expedition is the stuff of legend.
I’ve always been fascinated by history. Reading about The Franklin Expedition as a child and I wondered, was it possible some men survived and stayed in The North? There were alleged sightings of men from these ships as late as 1858, but who knows how much of that was tall tales. And I can’t resist Northwest Passage (Stan Rogers) combined with Paul Gross (Due South).
My excitement went into eclipse when the pragmatist in me realized how much finding this ship had cost and how much more it was going to cost to excavate the site. History is wonderful, but there are living people who are suffering. Our government alleges we don’t have enough money for: Veterans, affordable housing, social programs, disabled, food/water/transportation inspectors, environment, infrastructure, research, medical issues, Aboriginal issues, and the list goes on. This is like saying you’re going to fly over the Scotland to check out your ancestry when you can’t afford to make your mortgage payments or put a new roof on. Despite what the government is telling us, Canada doesn’t have its own house in order and until we do, we shouldn’t be spending taxpayers’ money on historical treasure hunts, no matter how cool they are.
There are many books on the current trend toward the right-wing, Tea Party-like movement in Canada, but I was stunned by the aptly titled, Irresponsible Government by former Conservative MP, Brent Rathgeber (Dundurn Books), who now sits as an Independent after leaving his party because they had become what they once mocked. Amazing foreword by Andrew Coyne (The NationalPost/CBC).
Rathgeber’s book is a scathing look inside the secretive and controlled world of the CPC. I imagine he’s not a popular guy with some of his former caucus and I’m sure he’s off the PM’s Christmas card list. This book is a declaration, I can almost picture Rathgaber in Twisted Sister (Dee Snider) garb singing, “We’re not gonna take it!”.
Sick of being a trained seal, Rathgeber stood up and said, No more! and tries to remind Canadians that we vote in legislators, not a government, but if those legislators just tow the party line we inadvertently voted for one voice instead of many. Politicians should be seeking service not power. Where are the checks and balances? Let’s ask the Senate, oh, nevermind.
Fascinating points about the death of fiscal accountability, and sadly, that’s not only under this government, they’ve just made a science out of it. Where has our access to information gone? Government keep information from its citizens, and we all know the media, if it bleeds, it leads. But where is our responsibility? We elect people that lie to us, then whine about them, and then elect them again or more just like them. Ironically, Rathgeber’s publishing company received financial support, tax credits, etc. from various Federal and Ontario programs to help publish this book.
Canada began a responsible government in 1848, the very year the British Admiralty launched a search for the Franklin expedition. Maybe we need to be reminded. We’ve had our ups and downs as a country, after all, we’re young, maybe we’re just going through our teen rebellion years. Let’s hope we find our way again before it’s too late.
History should remain a mystery until we have taken care of all those who are alive right here, right now.
http://yadadarcyyada.com/2014/09/10/t...
October 2, 2016
'Irresponsible Government' outlines our unspeakable national debt and its causes. Just as in the elementary school playground, internal bullying tactics continue to work well on government officials who are new to their jobs, worried about job security, or, fear-based. The book describes the manner in which parliamentarians have lost their power to represent the wishes of their constituents and must instead bow to the PMO. This morning's read of Mathew Behren's 'Bombs Away! How Canada is here to help' (about Canada's selling 15 billion dollars in weapons to the "beheading regime of Saudi Arabia") recalled for me some of the main points of 'Irresponsible Government'. Should be on political science reading lists.
Eleanor Cowan, author of : A History of a Pedophile's Wife: Memoir of a Canadian Teacher and Writer
Eleanor Cowan, author of : A History of a Pedophile's Wife: Memoir of a Canadian Teacher and Writer
January 31, 2015
His arguments are well-written, although his personal ideology of opposition to most government spending shines through quite dominantly throughout the book. His perspective as a Conservative in exile from his old party makes his take on things quite fascinating. It could have used another read-through before it was published, so mind the typos.
November 7, 2014
Good content, poor editing.
April 5, 2020
Scary how much the role of our elected representatives has been diminished. No wonder they act like children as they are hardly allowed to act like thinking, reasoning adults when they are expected to just nod and vote as told to on PMO/lobbyist developed omnibus bills designed to coerce support by way of judicious packaging of elements.
February 25, 2015
This is a good overview of the political system in Canada and how it got to the state that it is in. The Author's political leanings are not my own, but he usually makes it very clear when he expresses those. Not content with merely describing the problems, he presents a number of alternative solutions from various experts (not just ones from his own political leanings). He discusses the alternatives in terms of his own experiences as an elected politician.
This book is different from a lot of political books. For one, it is surprisingly readable ... this is not an academic tome. For another, the author is very careful to present things as honestly and fairly as he can, and is careful to note his own political leanings and not let those get in the way. And finally, it isn't so lengthy as to be intimidating.
Overall, well worth the time and money spent.
This book is different from a lot of political books. For one, it is surprisingly readable ... this is not an academic tome. For another, the author is very careful to present things as honestly and fairly as he can, and is careful to note his own political leanings and not let those get in the way. And finally, it isn't so lengthy as to be intimidating.
Overall, well worth the time and money spent.
August 20, 2015
This is an excellent treatise, marred only by the neocon obsession with the nation's "credit card", a flawed analogy, at best. Set aside these tangents, however, and you get a cogent, insightful look behind the incredibly unhealthy consolidation of power in the PM and PMO in Canada, as well as some useful thoughts on how we might stop and reverse the trend. Well worth your time!
(Although, could someone please explain to him the difference between "comprising" and "composed of"? Thanks!)
(Although, could someone please explain to him the difference between "comprising" and "composed of"? Thanks!)
December 20, 2015
A good and really important read.
Rathgeber makes plain his conservative (with a little c) leanings, but his message speaks to all Canadians, regardless of their own political views. He provides a scathing review of Stephen Harper's government, and of the slow erosion of accountability and transparency and responsibility in the Canadian federal government over the past 50 years.
Rathgeber makes plain his conservative (with a little c) leanings, but his message speaks to all Canadians, regardless of their own political views. He provides a scathing review of Stephen Harper's government, and of the slow erosion of accountability and transparency and responsibility in the Canadian federal government over the past 50 years.
December 14, 2014
A depressing account of democracy in Canada. The Harper government is seemingly trying to bring US Republican style politics to Canada. This isn’t a democracy, it’s a dictatorship!
March 23, 2015
Loved it. Every word.
However, it was poorly edited.
Should be mandatory reading in high school politics classes.
However, it was poorly edited.
Should be mandatory reading in high school politics classes.
November 3, 2015
Every Canadian should read.
October 28, 2015
took a dozen pages of notes
November 20, 2014
A rather dispiriting overview of the erosion of democracy in Canada.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews