Becoming Canada: Our Story, Our Politics, Our Future

by Ken Dryden

In this passionate, thought-provoking vision for Canada, Ken Dryden argues that we have paid a price for having the wrong sense of ourselves as a country. The old definition of Canada – genial but sometimes too self-deprecating and ambition-killing – is no longer the real story. Through recent global events such as Barack Obama’s election and first year in office; the climate conference in Copenhagen; and even the 2010 Winter Olympics, Dryden explores the clash between politics and story, and the importance of a nation finding its true narrative in order to thrive.

By tracing the ups and downs in contemporary Canadian politics, from the Liberal leadership race to Stephen Harper’s Conservative minority governments, Michael Ignatieff’s appointment as Opposition leader, and prorogation, Ken Dryden presciently identifies the obstacles facing Canada. He observes a sea change taking place among Canadians, who want something more for their country. The ambition of Canada’s policies and the nature of our politics will not change, Dryden says, until we conceive of a new story for the nation.

Becoming Canada is at once a celebration of Canada and a timely, ardent rallying cry to all Canadians to build upon Canada’s unique place in the world. It is certain to inspire new conversations about our Canada’s identity at home and abroad.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Canada

248 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Kenneth Wayne "Ken" Dryden is a Canadian politician, lawyer, businessman, author, and former NHL goaltender. He is an officer of the Order of Canada and a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Dryden was a Liberal Member of Parliament from 2004, also serving as a cabinet minister from 2004 to 2006, until losing his seat in the 2011 Canadian federal elections to Conservative Mark Adler.

Reviews

[Cow · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me more pages than I'd like to admit to realize that this isn't just Ken Dryden's vision of a better Canada; it's Ken Dryden's vision of Ken Dryden's Canada. Well, okay, that's fair.

I think his single best line is on page 151, at the close of the third chapter on recent Ottawa history, talking about how Harper constantly has Ignatieff's number, but in doing so demeans both Ignatieff and himself. "George W. Bush made Obama possible; Harper is now making a great liberal possible because he doesn't believe there is one around."

I like a lot of the ideas put forward in this book, but what troubles me is that it is all in search of a coherent narrative of Canada, yet never forms an actual coherent narrative even in itself. Chapters often feel very disjointed, and topics get added and dropped out of nowhere. The epilogue especially fell flat to me, arguing that Canada is coming out of its slumber because it won a bunch of medals on home turf in 2010.

So, all in all...mixed. I think there are the seeds of a good argument here, and it's one so many of us desperately want to see brought forth in our politics. That Mr. Dryden is an ex-minister and current MP makes it all the more exciting...and painful. What I think we're seeing here is the first draft of a future leadership run, and as a first draft, there's a lot to work with. As a finished, published book...not quite so much.

[Kristine Morris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I saw Ken Dryden interviewed by Steve Paiken and when I picked the book up at the library I'll admit that I was taken in by the reviews by James Orbinski and Anne Michaels. After the first two chapters I nearly stopped - his style of writing (he writes like he talks) makes it hard to concentrate on what he is saying and the first two chapters (long ones) were about the US and Copenhagen. Once he turned to Canada - and specifically Ottawa it held my interest. I liked reading his perspective on the public opinion that allows Harper to cruise and yet crushes the Ignatieff and the Liberals. In the end I did learn something but I couldn't say it's a great book.

[Jonathan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bad assumptions, superficial repetition of tired press stories, poor history, and vapid commentary. Utterly failing to understand the underpinnings of historical Liberal success, it chooses to rely instead on self-flattery to unite the past and future of the party. As a rallying cry for the existing Liberal base, sure -- it's right up their alley. But the present base is only the target for leadership of the party, not of the country.

[Kharah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been awhile since I've read this book, but I remember it as a kind of feel-good book for Canadians. You have to bear in mind that it was written by a Liberal before the last election occurred, but the message is still the same: Canada has potential. And some things that may be considered embarrassingly Canadian really aren't that embarrassing, or maybe we should even be proud of them. It was sort of a response or retort to the more cynical or browbeaten among us.

[Vionna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book every Canadian should read. He tells the story of our past, not always just our history; the story of our politics, for better and worse and most importantly challenges all of us to think and tell the story of our future. A marvellous, maarvellous book.

[Raimo Wirkkala · Rating 2 out of 5]

A pep-talk from a man who is a better writer than he demonstrates here. While I agree with alot of what he says, I think Dryden has the ability to express it more artfully. This reads like an "instant" book.

[rabbitprincess]

Mentioned by Jian Ghomeshi, who is interviewing Ken Dryden on Q on October 12. Book profile from the publisher: http://www.mcclelland.com/catalog/dis...

[Floyd Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The chapter called "Becoming Canada" absolutely nails it. The rest of the book... eh... interesting as an insider's report on current affairs, but not something I would reread.

[Stanley Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

History lesson of the Liberal party.