Party of Conscience: The CCF, the NDP, and Social Democracy in Canada

by Roberta Lexier (Editor), Stephanie Bangarth (Editor), Jonathan Weier (Editor)

Surveying the field of political history in Canada, one might assume that the politics of the nation have been shaped solely by the Liberal and Conservative parties. Relatively little attention has been paid to the contributions of the CCF and NDP in Canadian politics. This collection remedies this imbalance with a critical examination of the place of social democracy in Canadian history and politics.

Bringing together the work of politicians, think tank members, party activists, union members, scholars, students, and social movement actors in important discussions about social democracy delving into an array of topics including municipal, provincial, and national issues, labour relations, feminism, contemporary social movements, war and society, security issues, and the media, Party of Conscience reminds Canadians of the important contributions the CCF and NDP have made to a progressive, compassionate idea of Canada.

Genres: Politics, Canada, History

280 pages, Paperback

Published September 3, 2018

Reviews

[Warren Wulff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really informative overview and discussion of the history of the CCF/NDP. It brings to light aspects of federal and provincial politics not usually discussed in most histories that hew to traditional Liberal and Conservative talking points. This is not at all a whitewash of difficult topics - even the various authors disagree on issues and this makes the book that much stronger because one sees all sides of contentious NDP history, a vital element to appreciating that any political party is made up of flawed human beings. The editing is superb. Despite different authors for each chapter, the writing flows and is vibrant throughout. A must read for anyone interested in leftist Canadian politics or social democracy. It should be noted that the editors were honest that they could not secure authors who could write a scholarly treatment of the NDP with environmental and Indigenous intersections. These significant stories are yet to be told.

[Leif · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise is so good. So good! But these conference gleanings could never be the book I wanted this to be. There are good chapters here, and weak chapters a plenty - nothing on the farming roots of the CCF! - but almost too little to justify lingering a while. Nevertheless, I enjoy every chance I get to read and learn more about Canada's best, most hopeful historical political party.

[Harman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Party of Conscience provides an excellent overview of the history of the CCF/NDP. It explain its origin, ideological believes, and evolution through the 20th and 21st centuries while attempting to pose a light and guide for the future of the party.
Party of Conscience is a great read for any one interested in social democracy.

[John Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was great overall. It is a series of papers on various topics and insights about the NDP and socialism in Canada. I highly recommend it as you get access to various authors and experts where you can read more of their work to expand your interests.

[Sean Andernacht · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to the history of the NDP/CCF, as well as Canadian socialist and leftist movements overall in the 20th and 21st centuries.

[Antonio J. Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not every essay is a hit, this contains many bangers