Governing Canada: A Guide to the Tradecraft of Politics

by Michael Wernick

How does Canadian government work in practice? In this first ever handbook of its kind, Michael Wernick, a career public servant with decades of experience "in the room" with Canada’s top politicians, shares candid advice and information that is usually only provided behind closed doors. You’ll learn about what goes into picking a Cabinet, how to get the most out of the team, and the ways in which a government works to stay on track. You’ll also discover how ministers build up their influence and political power, and how easily that career can be derailed.

But this handbook isn’t just of use to the neophyte Canadian politician. It’s also essential reading for anyone who has ever wondered what happens behind the scenes in government. You’ll learn why using a government aircraft is a no-no even if a politician’s constituency is five time zones away, how the end of a political career probably won’t be a politician’s decision, and other hard truths only a long-time observer of government from the inside would know. Wernick’s extensive experience as clerk of the privy council (the top public servant in Canada) and as a deputy minister informs a lively, entertaining handbook studded with behind-the-scenes information.

A primer on how to be a successful Canadian politician by a former top civil servant, Governing Canada explains, in practical terms, the essentials of everyday governance for anyone who works or would like to work in government, or who is generally interested in politics and government.

Genres: Politics, Canada, Nonfiction

216 pages, Paperback

Published October 25, 2021

Reviews

[Eric Neudorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand how Canada works.

[Mark · Rating 1 out of 5]

Senile mediocrity thinks he's Machiavelli.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot or Premise
Michael Wernick is a former Clerk of the Privy Council in Canada and his book provides advice on the "tradecraft of politics" i.e., what Prime Ministers or Ministers do or should consider doing while in office…or at least the "how" of a given day.

What I Liked
The opening was quite strong, I felt, with some good information on life from the view of being the Clerk. It had a very down-home, practical feel to it, and I was excited to see where it was going to go. I particularly liked that it was not about reform or how things "ought" to be, but stayed pretty focused on "how it (currently) works". As Wernick notes, there are lots of other books out there that talk about reform or changes in general or comparisons of how certain leaders have governed. While much of the book is about decisions of PMs or Ministers, I was more interested by the elements around the roles, behaviour and attitudes of political staff, as well as the operational aspects of being a DM. I particularly liked his insights into the structural imbalance that "…political offices tend to underestimate implementation risks and costs and to be impatient about time-lines, whereas departments tend to be overly cautious and are likely to go to what they are familiar with as a solution." There was also some good insights into the way Comms people view announceables or deliverables from the political side (short-term, pointed) and departmental side (potentially longer-term, incremental).

What I Didn't Like
The middle section of the book lagged for me. What started off as down home guidance that would benefit anyone started to read more like a memo to the PM or a Minister for a transition note. At times, it even veered somewhat into Machiavelli's The Prince, minus the advice that it is better to be feared than loved. Yet much of that detailed or pointed behavioural advice is likely of little interest to the average reader, and I felt my interest dropping with each passing page, until the DM section started.

Disclosure
While I do not know the author, I have worked closely with his sister and respect her immensely.

The Bottom Line
Great insights into the hidden world, with just a twinge of memo language

[Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gifted book from dad this past Christmas, Michael Wernick’s "Governing in Canada: A Guide to the Tradecraft of Politics" offers a candid, practical look into the inner workings of Canadian governance. Drawing on his extensive experience at various levels of government, Wernick emphasizes that a newly appointed minister’s success depends not only on knowledge of a portfolio, but also the human elements of politics—especially the complex relationships between the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Privy Council Office (PCO), and cabinet ministers. His advice underscores effective governance requiring skill in managing both policy and the people involved, particularly as ministers balance multiple competing priorities. I have personally taken an interest in this dynamic over the past few years, including in reading Eddie Goldenberg’s “The Way It Works in Ottawa” and Donald Savoie’s “Governing from the Centre.”

Wernick’s reflections on prime ministerial power highlight the challenges of maintaining alignment across government while engaging with various stakeholders, from premiers to Indigenous leaders. He stresses that governing is (or at least should be) not merely about winning elections but pursuing a long-term vision. Given the evolving political climate, with rising tensions between Canada and the United States, Wernick’s call for future leaders to focus on governing rather than just political maneuvering seems more pressing than ever. Accordingly, the next prime minister (or even one after that depending on this year’s elections) will need to quickly pivot from political campaigning to effectively governing for the interests of all Canadians. Wernick’s insights offer valuable guidance on how to maintain momentum and achieve meaningful policy change to this effect.

"Governing in Canada" is an essential read for those looking to understand the practical realities of political leadership in Canada. I particularly enjoyed the discussion of balance between political agility and the long-term pursuit of national goals, which is something I feel has ben sorely lacking over the past few years. As Canada faces new challenges on the world stage, particularly with our southern neighbor, it will be interesting to see if the next PM heeds Wernick’s advice on focusing on the craft of governance rather than simply political survival.

[Tom Axworthy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short primer on Canadian government by Michael Wernick ,a former Clerk of the Privy Council best known for resigning as one of the casualties of the SNC- Lavalin debacle.Readers interested in his take on the affair or any other personal anecdotes will be disappointed as the book consists of
generic chapter/memos written for the Prime Minister,Ministers and Deputy Ministers.There is a lot of common sense in this short book,ie the clock is always ticking, time is the most scarce resource, politics is part of almost every decision ,and the PMO staff is fanatically loyal to the leader.But because the personal is so rigidly kept out of the book, we learn nothing ,for example,about how the Phoenix pay technology was so badly implemented during Wernick's tenure that it has become a case study in how not to do large projects, apart from a brief mention that implementation is hard.For those who know little about government this book is a good start but for a deeper or more insightful look at the lessons learned from Wernick's impressive career as a public servant we will have to wait for another book.

[Jake M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Governing Canada is a decent primer on what to expect for aspiring prime minsters, cabinet ministers and deputy ministers. While only a sand grain of the population will serve in these functions, the content is direct and informative on what to expect if given the opportunity. Michael Wernick is an experienced bureaucrat and provides a noble service by composing this text. The content could have been supplemented well by including a section on the roles of MP's outside of the executive. What does the term of an average MP entail? Perhaps this addition would overshadow the focus on the executive branch. This omission aside, Governing Canada is a solid handbook for elected representatives seeking top positions.

[Ige Egal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Advice for those entering politics. Written primarily for this audience. Though those that have an interest in the machinery of government may find it interesting. This is less about Mr. Wernick's experience and stories and more about how to (try) govern and execute one's role (PM, Minister, MP, etc.) effectively.

It's an easy read but if you're looking for stories to relate the advice, they're limited. I think the goal was to be a reference book, and in that, it may very well succeed (to be judged by those who use it as advice for their roles).

Bureaucratic and political staffers may find an interest in the 'tradecraft of politics'..

[Carter MacLean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright read. The book starts off a bit condescending with the author writing in a way that makes them appear like a know it all. The book is written in the form of advice the author would give to the prime minister, ministers and deputy ministers. Given he has not held any of the roles but just been an observer it is a but strange that he takes on the tone of you should do this and that. It is informative in some parts but also basic at times. However I really disliked how he explained some aspects of the Canadian political system in terms of the US.

[Andrew Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

The format of advice for Prime Minister, Minister and Deputy Minister was unexpected but effective. Not exactly an exciting page turner but it was an informative read and I learned a lot, and I suspect that that was the objective.

[George Hodgson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent read for the curious, essential for those entering parliament.

[Sara Dick · Rating 1 out of 5]

Painfully dry

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very accessible. Interesting insight into some very difficult but important jobs - mainly the political staffers and the deputy ministers.

[Aidan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Less of a book and more of a checklist. Still an illuminating, if not a bit dull, read.