Solidarity: Canada's Unknown Revolution of 1893

by David Spaner

Nominated for the George Ryga Award for Social Awareness in Literature The year 1983 began like any other year in Canada's West Coast province. Then everything suddenly changed. The newly elected provincial government announced an avalanche of far-right legislation that shocked the country. A resistance movement called Solidarity quickly formed across British Columbia, uniting social activists and trade unionists and people who had never protested before. The movement rocked social foundations, resulting in massive street protests, occupations, and plans for an all-out general strike. Filled with revealing interviews and lively, insightful prose, Solidarity goes behind the scenes of one of the greatest social uprisings in North American history. In recreating this one singularly dramatic event, Solidarity chronicles the history of 20th century British Columbia, exploring its great divides and unions, cultures and subcultures, and conflicts that continue into the 21st century. "His book rescues an important moment in B.C. history from mainstream amnesia and does so in stylish, effective prose. Highly recommended."-- Tom Sandborn, Vancouver Sun "Solidarity is filled with stories and characters that feel like a portal into a moment that birthed a generation of progressives."-- Tzeporah Berman, Activist and Author of This Crazy Time "One of the more engaging books of the season, a terrific book of history"--Joseph Planta, "the commentary" podcast Nonfiction

254 pages, Paperback

Published May 15, 2021

Reviews

[Mark Bullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent account of this important social/ political uprising in 1983. The personal stories of the key figures involved are fascinating and bring this historical account alive. The tragic sellout of the social movement by the establishment business union movement is a reminder that the left - right distinction is not very useful. Union leaders often have more in common with the conservative political establishment than with progressive social movements.

[Toby Mustill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The content of this book is fascinating. It’s a real history of the Solidarity movement in 1983. David shows how the whole movement came together, what they planned to achieve and ultimately how it ended in disappointment (I hope that’s not a spoiler but it’s 40 year old history at this point). Understanding all the key players and how they interacted really helps the reader get a grasp on the whole thing.

My only point of frustration is that a large part of the book is dedicated to a few pages of “the history of *x* player in the Solidarity movement - and where they are in 1983…” I’m not sure such a large proportion of the book should’ve been taken up to explain this.

However a good book overall and well worth a read.

[David Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Spaner's Solidarity is a valuable document of an important event in Canadian labour history. It is vital that these stories of collective action, between unions and citizens, are heard as they are the life-blood of a healthy democracy. Solidarity is particularly of note because it takes, I feel, the approach of history from below, as Spaner conducted original interviews with those activists involved at a community level, as well as union leaders. Highly readable.

[Warren Wulff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandatory reading for every British Columbian and anyone interested in the ins and outs of social justice organizing in the face of a draconian government. Lots of lessons to learn here, the biggest one being that you don't sell out your allies and unions must be committed to more than just the next collective agreement. Unions must fight for justice for those marginalized by sex, gender, race, or any other way that society puts people down and shuts the door on true equality. Fight for rights, dignity, and equality, and the fight for economics will follow. We had the opportunity for a true watershed moment with Solidarity; may we be wise enough to take the road less travelled next time.