The People's Mandate

Referendums and a More Democratic Canada

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Civics, Elections
Cover of the book The People's Mandate by J. Patrick Boyer, Dundurn
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: J. Patrick Boyer ISBN: 9781554883448
Publisher: Dundurn Publication: January 6, 1991
Imprint: Dundurn Language: English
Author: J. Patrick Boyer
ISBN: 9781554883448
Publisher: Dundurn
Publication: January 6, 1991
Imprint: Dundurn
Language: English

A mood of anger with the political system has been stirring across Canada; yet rather than turning away from the system, many Canadians are actually seeking a greater say in matters that affect them. they want to become more effective participants in the political process.

In this timely book, Patrick Boyer examines the important role that direct democracy — through the occasional use of referendums, plebiscites, and initiatives — can play in concert with our existing institutions of representative democracy.

This concept is not alien to our country, says Boyer, pointing to the two national plebiscites (on prohibition of alcohol in 1898 and conscription for overseas military service in 1942), some sixty provincial plebiscites (on everything from sovereignty-association to abortion, medicare to women’s suffrage, prohibition to ownership of power companies), and several thousand at the municipal level.

Direct voting is an important instrument in a truly democratic society, Boyer argues, and it has a more important role in the current reformation of Canada than some in the comfortable growing governing classes want to admit. In addition to clarifying an issue, it is an educational tool, as the plebiscite campaign becomes a national teach-in. Canadians can become participants, rather than mere spectators, in the major changes and transcending issues that affect the future of our country.

The People’s Mandate is a helpful guide to understanding the distinctions between plebiscites and referendums in a purely Canadian context. It addresses some of the concerns about this unparliamentary practice, and makes a powerful and logical statement about democracy. In sum, Boyer believes it is essential to govern with the trust of the people.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

A mood of anger with the political system has been stirring across Canada; yet rather than turning away from the system, many Canadians are actually seeking a greater say in matters that affect them. they want to become more effective participants in the political process.

In this timely book, Patrick Boyer examines the important role that direct democracy — through the occasional use of referendums, plebiscites, and initiatives — can play in concert with our existing institutions of representative democracy.

This concept is not alien to our country, says Boyer, pointing to the two national plebiscites (on prohibition of alcohol in 1898 and conscription for overseas military service in 1942), some sixty provincial plebiscites (on everything from sovereignty-association to abortion, medicare to women’s suffrage, prohibition to ownership of power companies), and several thousand at the municipal level.

Direct voting is an important instrument in a truly democratic society, Boyer argues, and it has a more important role in the current reformation of Canada than some in the comfortable growing governing classes want to admit. In addition to clarifying an issue, it is an educational tool, as the plebiscite campaign becomes a national teach-in. Canadians can become participants, rather than mere spectators, in the major changes and transcending issues that affect the future of our country.

The People’s Mandate is a helpful guide to understanding the distinctions between plebiscites and referendums in a purely Canadian context. It addresses some of the concerns about this unparliamentary practice, and makes a powerful and logical statement about democracy. In sum, Boyer believes it is essential to govern with the trust of the people.

More books from Dundurn

Cover of the book Me n Len by J. Patrick Boyer
Cover of the book Macdonald Institute by J. Patrick Boyer
Cover of the book When the Bubble Bursts by J. Patrick Boyer
Cover of the book 500 Years of New Words by J. Patrick Boyer
Cover of the book Now You Know — Giant Disaster Trivia Bundle by J. Patrick Boyer
Cover of the book Mike Filey's Toronto Sketches, Books 10–12 by J. Patrick Boyer
Cover of the book Creep by J. Patrick Boyer
Cover of the book Stonechild and Rouleau Mysteries 5-Book Bundle by J. Patrick Boyer
Cover of the book Old Car Detective by J. Patrick Boyer
Cover of the book Camilla MacPhee Mysteries 6-Book Bundle by J. Patrick Boyer
Cover of the book Lake of the Old Uncles by J. Patrick Boyer
Cover of the book Dysfunction by J. Patrick Boyer
Cover of the book Andrew Hind and Maria Da Silva 3-Book Bundle by J. Patrick Boyer
Cover of the book The Secret of the Blue Trunk by J. Patrick Boyer
Cover of the book Run Red with Blood by J. Patrick Boyer
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy