LAC Forum on Canadian Democracy

Political Perspectives

This section engages with current events, topical issues, and Canada's past and present political culture, through accounts by guest contributors including public figures, research specialists, collection donors, LAC staff, and other individuals.

John A. Macdonald: An Undemocratic Democrat

By Richard Gwyn

Beyond much argument, John A. Macdonald was the least democratic of all of Canada’s leaders. Read more »

You’ll Never Die, John A.!

By Thomas S. Axworthy

First-time leaders of new nations matter. Just think of the difference it has made to their respective countries having Nelson Mandela as President of South Africa, while neighbouring Zimbabwe has had to endure Robert Mugabe. Among Canada’s manifold blessings, one of the most significant (and least appreciated) is that Sir John A. Macdonald was our first Prime Minister. Read more »

Democracy in Canada

by Katherine Fierlbeck, Dalhousie University

What is democracy, and what, if anything, is distinctive about Canadian democracy? Modern democracy has evolved too far to be explained in terms of an engaged rule by the citizenry; few voters are convinced that their individual actions are particularly important except in a symbolic sense. Read more »