Inspiring Canadians: Forty Brilliant Canadians and Their Visions for the Nation

by Mark Bulgutch, Peter Mansbridge (Foreword)

Forty influential and diverse Canadians with expertise in subjects such as Indigenous rights, climate change, social justice and race, gun control, higher education and poetry reflect on everything Canada is getting right―and what still needs to change to make the country even better. Acclaimed journalist Mark Bulgutch collects inspiring stories and ideas from multifaceted Canadians whose love for Canada compels them to make this country a better place for all―ultimately revealing that equal parts critique and celebration is the key to a thriving nation. These chapters spotlight visions of a more sustainable, equitable, welcoming―and fun!―country from Canadians who believe in the possibility of an even better future. Perry Bellegarde on upholding the rights of Indigenous people; Adam Fenech on adapting to climate change; Najma Ahmed on ending the contagion of gun violence; Mack Rogers on how literacy solves problems; Laura Tamblyn Watts on securing the future for seniors; Katie Ward on the innovations of Canadian agriculture; Santa Ono on how higher education keeps Canada competitive; Michael Levitt on the value of an MP; Paulette Senior on equal opportunity for women; Kenneth Sherman on poetry and the human spirit; Michael Prince on ensuring dignity for people with disabilities; Donald MacPherson on how drug overdoses can be dramatically reduced; Kwame McKenzie on mental health and happiness; Duff Conacher on improving Canadian democracy; and many more. This dynamic collection is sure to spark debate and showcase how the fabric of a country is defined by its multiplicity of voices, cultures, stories and ideas. Weaving together these diverse viewpoints, Bulgutch leads us into the future―compelling us to do the most Canadian of change the world, and our nation, for the better.

288 pages, Paperback

Published November 8, 2022

Reviews

[Paul Sutter]

This is the second book from Mark Bulgutch that has had featured Peter Mansbridge as part of the work. A previous book EXTRAORDINARY CANADIANS, was co-authored with Mansbridge. Now with INSPIRING CANADIANS, Mansbridge offers the foreword to the book. It looks at another group of Canadians from all walks of life, offering their essays on various aspects of life and Canadian culture. It is the diversity of the people and their messages, that make the book so interesting and so recommended. It is for people of all ages, as the topics certainly pertain to so many aspects of Canadian life.
Mansbridge in the foreword, talks of his experiences in 1979 in Hong Kong where he spoke of Boat People who tried to leave Vietnam. Many headed for freedom in the South China Seas. Some set up camps and one woman tried to offer Mansbridge her month old son to take to Canada because she heard Canada meant freedom, hope and a future. This is what the book is all about.
INSPIRING CANADIANS looks at many facets of the Canada so many have heard about, as a variety of important subjects are discussed. Forty different people, experts in their field, talk about such things as the plague of anti-Semitism, adapting to climate change, why we should know our history, securing the future for seniors, equal opportunity for women, Canada’s exploration of space, ending the contagion of gun violence, upholding the rights of Indigenous people, why our foreign policy matters, how higher education keeps Canada competitive, and so much more.
Most of the chapters average five to six pages, and contain deeply probing insights from those offering their points of view. It is the wide range of opinions that create a most impressive book, and anyone reading it can personally ponder or debate with others what they have read. Finding fault with any part of the book would be impossible, as Mark Bulgutch has amassed an all-star cast of voices that resonate so much about Canada, its hopes, dreams, aspirations, and visions for the future. Hopefully there will be other book to come, just as memorable.

[Kaly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good to read. Gives a good impression about a country and has interessting textes and perspectives.

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5