Canada Always: The Defining Speeches of Sir Wilfrid Laurier

by Arthur Milnes

In celebration of Sir Wilfrid Laurier's 175th birthday -- November 20th, 2016 is "Sir Wilfrid Laurier Day" -- this is the first time his most important and iconic speeches will be published in book form, annotated and with essays by a stunning array of politicians, journalists, and acclaimed academics. "Sunny ways my friends, sunny ways." These were the words used in triumph by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau the night he was elected Canada's 23rd Prime Minister. They were also the words Sir Wilfrid Laurier used to call Canadians to greatness a century before. "Canada Always" brings together the most significant speeches of one of Canada's greatest leaders on the 175th anniversary of his birth. Readers will follow Laurier from his earliest years in Canadian politics, through his history-making fifteen-year Premiership, and then again as his generous vision of Canada is sorely tested by the flames and fire of the First World War.
Edited by veteran political speechwriter and PM historian Arthur Milnes, "Canada Always" features essays of commentary by seven of Laurier's living successors as Prime Minister of Canada. They are joined by Mr. Justice Thomas Cromwell of the Supreme Court of Canada; past Prime Ministerial chiefs-of-staff like Thomas Axworthy, Edward Goldenberg, Nigel Wright, Derek Burney, and Hugh Segal; journalists Andre Pratte, Steve Paikin, Jane Taber, Lawrence Martin, and Andrew Cohen; past and sitting Premiers Rachel Notley, Christy Clark, Jean Charest, Roy Romanow, Alison Redford, and Bob Rae; distinguished academics including David Asper; former US Ambassador to Canada David Jacobson (on Laurier's legacy in Canada-US relations); while the Rt. Hon. Tony Blair considers Laurier from his unique position as a past Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. As Canada stands on the cusp of her 150th birthday, "Canada Always" will be an essential part of the library of any Canadian seeking a further understanding of the words that defined our Laurier's words."

Genres: History, Politics

513 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2016

Reviews

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Canada Always: The Defining Speeches of Sir Wilfrid Laurier is an anthology of nearly fifty speeches written and given by Wilfrid Laurier collected sectional introductions written by Arthur Milnes with commentary by various notable Canadians and endnotes by Jean Chrétien and Stephen Harper. It is a collection of inspirational and influential speeches given by the Prime Minister of Canada celebrating his 175th birthday (20 November 2016).

Henri Charles Wilfrid Laurier was a Canadian politician and statesman who served as the seventh prime minister of Canada, in office from 11 July 1896 to 6 October 1911.

For the most part, this collection of speeches was written rather well and gives a wonderful impression of the speeches that Wilfrid Laurier gave during his lifetime. Canada Always: The Defining Speeches of Sir Wilfrid Laurier is a wonderful collection of speeches, Milnes selects nearly fifty speeches ranging throughout his professional life and categorized in four sections: "The Young Politician, 1864–1884" (6), "Party Leader, 1887–1896" (9), "Prime Minister, 1896–1911" (21), and "The Old Chieftain, 1911–1919" (12), with each speech has commentary from a notable Canadians.

Like most anthologies there are weaker contributions and Canada Always: The Defining Speeches of Sir Wilfrid Laurier is not an exception. While there are speeches better written over others – they are all rather inspirational and the few that weren't as powerful seem to be the outlier.

All in all, Canada Always: The Defining Speeches of Sir Wilfrid Laurier is a wonderful collection of powerful speeches given by perhaps the most notable Prime Ministers of Canada – Sir Wilfrid Laurier.

[Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

For any devotee of Canadian history, this book surely stands as a must-read. A Member of Parliament for 45 years and Prime Minister for 15, Laurier's career spanned many of the formative and most divisive episodes in early Canadian history. Our first French Canadian PM, he struggled most with the work of reconciling French and English, Catholic and Protestant. Fundamentally, he believed in the importance of the Canadian federal project, free trade, individual liberty, and democratic parliamentary institutions. A success in many ways, the quality and depth of his oratory were second to none, and this impressive book captures dozens of his very best works. Enjoy!

[Scott Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of speeches from former PM Sir Wilfrid Laurier is inspiring, in part of the impressive speeches highlighted, but equally by the attached reflections from luminaries crossing partisan lines. In highlighting the impact of these speeches on subsequent generations of leaders, it is impossible to not feel inspired about being Canadian and about the future of our country. It also highlights how political lines have evolved and how even inspired leaders had their blind spots, affected by their time and place in history. Laurier however stands out as a exceptional leader, inspirational national dream caster and sophisticated, genteel politician.