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The Crisis of Canadian Democracy

Andrew Coyne
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The Crisis of Canadian Democracy

Andrew Coyne
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Overall rating: 4.352941 / 5 from 17 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Summary topics

Review topics: ["book","democracy","read","concept","issues","solutions","process","change"].

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Reviews

Insightful read

"Although a bit hyperbolic at times, Coyne illustrates some significant gaps between the common understanding of Parliament and Canadian Democracy and how it functions behind the scenes"

— Matthew (5/5)

Great effort, analystical SKILL, understanding by Andrew Coyne in CRISIS OF CANADIAN DEMOCRACY

"Crisis in Canadian Democracy Great book! Some huge generalizations eg on prime ministers. However, Andrew is very solid on Elections, Role of Cabinet, Role of P. M. (potential despot), prospects for proportional representation - which he supports. Fair and objective on the topics he covers . (But some political scientists or historians who seem to worship the elected will tear this book apart! Most of them are out of date!)"

— Scott C. (4/5)

Moving towards a renewal Canadian electoral system

"This is an important contribution and analysis to understanding the challenges facing our political structure in Canada. Andrew Coyne methodically and accurately dissects the problems of our existing parliamentary system of government and suggests insightful ideas for positive changes. For anyone interested in learning at a deep level how we can refocus our electoral system, this book provides critical lessons."

— Mark (5/5)

Read This!

"This was a very interesting and thought-provoking book. It looks at the state of democracy in Canada. True democracy -- beyond the right to vote. The author does a very good job of showing how other countries have made reforms to increase democracy; reforms that making voting better reflect the will of the people, that ensure representatives have meaningful roles and other improvements. More sadly, for me, he shows the decline in democracy within Canada itself. Never mind looking elsewhere, things used to be much more democratic here. He presents several suggestions for improvement to get people more engaged, to attract the best and brightest to politics, to foster meaningful, inclusive debate. His ideas are realistic and workable, in theory. The biggest problem, as the author points out, is that the people who benefit most from concentration of power are the very ones who need to approve any changes. Likely? What I especially liked in this book is that the author spells out why it matters that our democracy is in decline. A hard sell as things are pretty good here, especially compared to many other parts of the world. For me, the strongest reason why change is necessary is the increasing number of younger Canadians who don't see our processes and institutions as legitimate. As that section of the population ages and grows, we are facing a serious deficit of political engagement -- a true loss of democracy. This book is well researched and written in an engaging style. If you care about Canadian politics and governance, read this!"

— Lynn B. (5/5)

Not what we want but what we should be reading?

"At a time when pride in Canada is high, the content of this book is not what I wanted to read. But, it’s what I should have known for decades. Certainly challenges bias conformation. The book is well written, balanced, thoughtful and, hopefully, motivational."

— W. W. (4/5)

Timely review of Canadian Parliamentary Democracy

"Andrew Coyne puts to text what has long been troubling me about Canadian democracy—and with stark analysis, digs deeper to expose the ways in which our system is being undermined by the very people who lead it. The comparisons with other parliamentary democracies and with our southern neighbours are particularly insightful. I only wish there was more of a solution lens to the work."

— Darcy M. (4/5)

The Crisis of Canadian Democracy

"Very well written and much needed book detailing how Canadian democracy deteriorated into something very undemocratic."

— Arthur Z. (5/5)

The Crisis of Canadian Democracy

"Andrew Coyne does a workmanlike job of simplifying and reviewing previously known shortcomings in the way Canadian democracy is supposed to work. I was disappointed to find that he does not go further, to do any analysis of how our current definition of democracy itself is inherently dysfunctional. This book is a convenient review of the known flaws in our current local system for anyone who needs a quick primer, but falls short of offering any original insights."

— Ian M. (1/5)

Démocratie à revoir et à améliorer

"Un livre fondamental et important sur des aspects négligés de la démocratie. Il y a des trous dans la loi électorale. Il y a des choses à améliorer dans nos mœurs électorales. Et évidemment la question du système proportionnel. À lire, et … à relire."

— JLemire (4/5)

Crisis, what crisis?

"For all the armchair amateur political critics, this is a great read to take you through some perspectives you probably hadn’t considered before. Coyne’s combination of deep knowledge of our government and parties’ structures nband policies combined with a heavy dose of cynicism and subtle humour make for an insightful (maybe inciteful) and entertaining read. I might not call it all a crisis, but there’s a lot to understand here about how things politic work in our country."

— Evan B. (5/5)

Q&A

  • Published date: Jun 03, 2025
  • Language: English
  • No. of Pages: 250
  • Publisher: Sutherland House
  • ISBN: 9781998365937
  • Dimensions: 6.0" W x 0.6" L x 9.0" H

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