Jared J. Wesley - Böcker

Politics on the Canadian Prairies are puzzling. The provinces share a common landscape and history, but they have nurtured three distinct political cultures – Alberta is Canada's bastion of conservatism, Saskatchewan its cradle of social democracy, and Manitoba its progressive centre. The roots of these cultures run deep, yet their persistence over a century has yet to be explained.  Drawing on over eight hundred pieces of campaign literature, Jared Wesley reveals that dominant political parties have used one key device – rhetoric – to foster and carry forward their province's cultural values or political code. Social Credit and Progressive Conservative leaders in Alberta emphasized freedom, whereas New Democrats in Saskatchewan stressed security. Successful politicians in Manitoba, by contrast, underscored the importance of moderation. Although the content of their campaigns differed, leaders from William Aberhart to Tommy Douglas to Gary Doer have employed distinct codes to ensure their parties' success and shape their provinces' political landscapes.

Based on extensive data collection, Big Worlds examines Canada's ten provinces and three territories as distinct democratic "worlds."A separate chapter is devoted to each province (and one explores the three territories), creating a cross-country survey of politics and elections. Tracing the history of each provincial and territorial system, with special attention to the twenty-first century, and drawing on the "worlds" theme, the chapters address the "terrain" (political culture, political economy, and political institutions) and the "climate" (the party system, civic culture, and democratic deficits) of Canada's provinces and territories. The result is a comprehensive sectional study of provincial and territorial politics and elections, and is the ideal text for Canadian provincial politics courses.

Navigating a career in Canada’s public service can be a complex journey. The Public Servant’s Guide to Government in Canada serves as an essential resource for those seeking to transition into and thrive in provincial and federal government roles. Written for university students, early-career public servants, and those shifting into government from other sectors, the book demystifies spaces between politics and public administration.The new, updated edition is organized into five concise chapters. It begins with an exploration of what it means to be a public servant, the core principles of governance, and the division of power in Canadian government. It demonstrates the value of helping to define and deliver the public good in a politically charged environment and explores the expectations and realities of government employment, delving into the politicized nature of public administration and public policy. Providing comprehensive insights into the roles, competencies, and career development strategies essential for success in public service, each chapter includes practical tips and key takeaways that reinforce learning and practice. More than merely a tool for individual advancement, this guide is a call to action for building a more informed and effective public service in Canada.

Big Worlds explores the political landscapes of Canada’s provinces and territories. This second edition examines how and why Canadians govern themselves at the subnational level. While the story of national politics often dominates headlines, Big Worlds reminds us that each province and territory contains its own political universe shaped by distinct histories, cultures, and identities.This book is organized around three key themes in each region: political culture, party system, and recent elections. Readers will discover why some Western Canadians have embraced populist movements, why Quebecers continue to debate the future of their nation within Canada, how democracy in Atlantic Canada has evolved, why Ontario appears to be in the midst of another Progressive Conservative dynasty, and how northern territories are reshaping ideas of self-government. Political scientists Jared J. Wesley and J.P. Lewis have updated the second edition of Big Worlds with the latest data from the Consortium on Electoral Democracy (C-Dem), including responses to COVID-19, the rise of new political movements, and landmark elections. This book also features thematic chapters on regionalism and leadership to highlight the broader patterns that connect (and divide) the country.An essential look into the distinctive yet uniting factors governing policies, democracy, and people across Canadian landscapes, this book is a vital contribution to our understanding of the country’s politics.

Why are Canadian politicians so loyal to their parties? Why do so few parliamentarians rebel as mavericks or switch sides? And can anything loosen the grip that party leaders have on elected representatives?No I in Team: Party Loyalty in Canadian Politics by political scientists Alex Marland, Jared J. Wesley, and Mireille Lalancette provides the first in-depth examination of the forces shaping party loyalty in Canadian politics, revealing how Members of Parliament and provincial legislators are conditioned to prioritize partisan interests over constituents and independent judgment. The authors show how institutional rules, political pressure, social dynamics, and digital technologies reinforce a system demanding unwavering loyalty. Drawing on extensive interviews with politicians and senior staff, plus analyses of thousands of news stories spanning four decades, this book traces how party discipline evolved into message discipline, where control over speech is as strict as control over votes.As political parties consolidate power and dissenting voices grow rarer, No I in Team raises urgent questions about the state of democratic representation in Canada – one of the world’s most stable democracies – where elected officials increasingly act as partisans rather than delegates of their communities or trustees of the broader public good.

Why are Canadian politicians so loyal to their parties? Why do so few parliamentarians rebel as mavericks or switch sides? And can anything loosen the grip that party leaders have on elected representatives?No I in Team: Party Loyalty in Canadian Politics by political scientists Alex Marland, Jared J. Wesley, and Mireille Lalancette provides the first in-depth examination of the forces shaping party loyalty in Canadian politics, revealing how Members of Parliament and provincial legislators are conditioned to prioritize partisan interests over constituents and independent judgment. The authors show how institutional rules, political pressure, social dynamics, and digital technologies reinforce a system demanding unwavering loyalty. Drawing on extensive interviews with politicians and senior staff, plus analyses of thousands of news stories spanning four decades, this book traces how party discipline evolved into message discipline, where control over speech is as strict as control over votes.As political parties consolidate power and dissenting voices grow rarer, No I in Team raises urgent questions about the state of democratic representation in Canada – one of the world’s most stable democracies – where elected officials increasingly act as partisans rather than delegates of their communities or trustees of the broader public good.

The Public Servant’s Guide to Government in Canada is a concise primer on the inner workings of government in Canada. This is a go-to resource for students, for early career public servants, and for anyone who wants to know more about how government works. Grounded in experience, the book connects core concepts in political science and public administration to the real-world practice of working in the public service. The authors provide valuable insights into the messy realities of governing and the art of diplomacy, as well as best practices for climbing the career ladder.