One of Canada’s most thoughtful analysts of politics and economic development, Donald Savoie, has written a new book entitled “Canada: Beyond Grudges, Grievances and Disunity”. In the book, Savoie chronicles Canada’s history of ‘victimhood’ including geographically-based groups – Quebecers, Maritimers, Western Canadians, rural Canadians and, of course, Ontario. He also covers the grievances of various demographic and ethnic groups as well as the country’s Indigenous population. There is a reason Canadians are known for saying sorry. Savoie believes this apologetic culture has helped shape the country we have become but worries that in the current climate it could do more harm than good. While he believes some of the claims of victimhood are exaggerated, he spends a lot of time discussing the relationship between Canada’s indigenous and non-indigenous population. He believes this is one of the defining issues of our era. As always, Savoie’s insights are rooted in a strong understanding of Canada’s history, institutions and politics. This will be well worth an hour of your time.
