The foundations of Canadian democracy have always been underscored by its instability. In a country with such rich geographic, cultural, and communal diversity, the tenets of its democracy contradict the very nature of the nation.

Canadian-made democracy was borne from the patriation of the Constitution from Britain only 42 years ago. Yet the trepid and impetuous actions of our political leaders have led to a complete failure in reforming this system. What remains is our current political system — an increasingly dysfunctional democracy.

Canadians feel increasingly abandoned by their government, irritated by elections that bring no change, and further dispirited as economic disparity mounts. On Canadian Democracy addresses the issues afflicting our country’s democracy and it seeks out the remedies and treatments to this failing system. Sparking discussion, challenging long-existing structures, and asking difficult questions — Manthorpe is determined to renew hope among Canadians through the means of reformation.

Jonathan Manthorpe is the author of three books on international relations, politics, and history, including the national bestseller and Globe and Mail Top 100 Books of 2019, Claws of the Panda: Beijing’s Campaign of Influence and Intimidation in Canada. His previous books include Forbidden Nation: A History of Taiwan and The Power and the Tories: Ontario Politics 1943 to the Present. In recent years he has written columns for a wide variety of publications in Canada and overseas. Over his fifty-year career as a journalist, he has been the foreign correspondent in Asia, Africa, and Europe for Southam News, the European Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star, and the national reporter for The Globe and Mail. In 1981 and 1982, Manthorpe was an advisor in London to Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau on the patriation of the Canadian constitution. For the last few years, he has been based in Victoria, British Columbia.

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