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The Way It Works: Inside Ottawa
The ultimate insider takes us behind the scenes, in the book everyone is waiting for.
As Jean Chrétien’s right-hand man for thirty years in Ministries all over Ottawa, Eddie Goldenberg got to know how things worked — especially from 1993 to 2003, when he was Senior Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister.
What did this title mean? It meant that Eddie made things happen. For example, during Paul Martin’s years at Finance, Eddie was the go-between who linked Chrétien and Martin, who were for much of the time barely on speaking terms. Or when vital decisions about the Iraq War had to be made, Eddie was the man who wrote the words, “If military action proceeds without a new resolution of the Security Council, Canada will not participate.”
And that’s the way this revealing book works; important decisions are used as case studies as we learn how things really happen in the tough world of politics.
Those less concerned with mastering the system will simply enjoy reading this as an engaging account of an exciting arena, filled with memorable anecdotes about the world’s biggest names.
“Journalists look for winners and losers so as to make good headlines. The real story is much more interesting, but is harder to write, and is very difficult to put in a clip of a few seconds.”
“President Bush smiled and said, ‘You know the guy who wanted to see me, What’s-his-name? I didn’t see him.’ I thought, poor Joe Clark; he had gone from ‘Joe Who’ to ‘What’s-his-name’ in less than twenty years.”
— Excerpt from The Way it Works
As Jean Chrétien’s right-hand man for thirty years in Ministries all over Ottawa, Eddie Goldenberg got to know how things worked — especially from 1993 to 2003, when he was Senior Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister.
What did this title mean? It meant that Eddie made things happen. For example, during Paul Martin’s years at Finance, Eddie was the go-between who linked Chrétien and Martin, who were for much of the time barely on speaking terms. Or when vital decisions about the Iraq War had to be made, Eddie was the man who wrote the words, “If military action proceeds without a new resolution of the Security Council, Canada will not participate.”
And that’s the way this revealing book works; important decisions are used as case studies as we learn how things really happen in the tough world of politics.
Those less concerned with mastering the system will simply enjoy reading this as an engaging account of an exciting arena, filled with memorable anecdotes about the world’s biggest names.
“Journalists look for winners and losers so as to make good headlines. The real story is much more interesting, but is harder to write, and is very difficult to put in a clip of a few seconds.”
“President Bush smiled and said, ‘You know the guy who wanted to see me, What’s-his-name? I didn’t see him.’ I thought, poor Joe Clark; he had gone from ‘Joe Who’ to ‘What’s-his-name’ in less than twenty years.”
— Excerpt from The Way it Works
- GenresPoliticsNonfictionCanada
432 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2006
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71 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 24, 2025
I usually say that political autobiographies are the worst books. They’re self-aggrandizing, dull, and have no sense of narrative. Politicians are not writers, and have no ability to turn events into a story. Their books are usually just an attempt to make some quick cash, claim responsibility for the good work of government and make excuses for the failures. Meanwhile, political journalists like Wells and Delacourt can make any series of events into a fascinating story with arcs and characters that hook the reader.
This book didn’t fully defy these expectations, but it was more interesting than I expected. In particular, Goldenberg (Chretien’s Chief of Staff) has very interesting things to say about the structure of government. His defence of centralization by PMO is the strongest and most unabashed I’ve ever seen. I agree with him; Ministers are too parochial and focused on their own files to truly make decisions about the direction of the whole of government. True responsibility and leadership must lie with the PM.
Unfortunately some chapters read too much like diary entries. Goldenberg manages to make 9/11 and the Iraq War dull.
This book didn’t fully defy these expectations, but it was more interesting than I expected. In particular, Goldenberg (Chretien’s Chief of Staff) has very interesting things to say about the structure of government. His defence of centralization by PMO is the strongest and most unabashed I’ve ever seen. I agree with him; Ministers are too parochial and focused on their own files to truly make decisions about the direction of the whole of government. True responsibility and leadership must lie with the PM.
Unfortunately some chapters read too much like diary entries. Goldenberg manages to make 9/11 and the Iraq War dull.
June 25, 2013
interesting inside account of the PMO. made me hate Chretien (which is odd, considering how the book is a love letter to him), respect Manley and Martin a ton and think that despite having views that are quite different than mine, Goldenberg is an intelligent, component and good human. Surprised by the positive view Goldenberg has of Harper in the book and the lack of mention of Irwin Cotler.
December 1, 2015
The book started off very slowly and very dryly. What I liked about it, though, as once it got into the issues Chretien truly faced. This book talks about the process of separatism, 9/11 and the knowledge economy in a fantastic and highly educational way.
August 4, 2023
Coming back to my undying love of Canadian political affairs, I read Eddie Goldenberg’s “The Way It Works: Inside Ottawa” a few months ago. While I certainly have my own opinions and political leanings, I have always been a fan of many aspects of the Chrétien years. Accordingly, insight from the former PM’s chief of staff was something I devoured as reading material, and I could not but help but find that many of the key points remain relevant almost two decades later.
To say that in “The Way It Works” Goldenberg offers unique insight into the world of Canadian politics would be underselling the book, although it certainly does this effectively. Rather, Goldenberg goes beyond simple anecdotes or a narrative of the Chrétien years to offer some actual personal context as well as discussion regarding the ideals of leadership from the highest office in the country. I found many of these principles compelling, especially in contrast to how they are applied (or not) today.
In his review of a wide range of topics, notably international relations, economic policy, federal-provincial relations, and political strategy, the author here provides a nuanced understanding of the decision-making processes and challenges faced by political leaders. Most importantly, this understanding goes beyond what is captured in the mainstream media of today, which is vitally important considering the soundbite and “gotcha” politics the 24-hour news cycle has fostered.
Now, “The Way It Works” is certainly not without its bias. Conversely, I do not conceive it possible for anyone really to work for two decades with specific people and not have some sort of bias towards the collective actions they would have taken. However, Goldenberg does offer a balanced approach to the Canadian political arena, focusing more on the understanding of the dynamics of governance itself rather than the actual discussion around the decisions made and their impact. Through this, I was thrilled to also find reflection into the evolution of Canadian politics, applicable even today albeit the political landscape has completely changed.
Overall, “The Way It Works” was an illuminating exploration of Canadian politics – one that should provide readers a deeper appreciation for the factors not only surrounding what has shaped Canada’s current political situation, but also those that directly influence the decisions the Prime Minister and their Cabinet makes on a daily basis. I found it to be a captivating journey that provided a comprehensive & engaging portrait of Canadian politics. It is highly recommended for all Canadians seeking better understanding of what makes our country run. Happy reading!
To say that in “The Way It Works” Goldenberg offers unique insight into the world of Canadian politics would be underselling the book, although it certainly does this effectively. Rather, Goldenberg goes beyond simple anecdotes or a narrative of the Chrétien years to offer some actual personal context as well as discussion regarding the ideals of leadership from the highest office in the country. I found many of these principles compelling, especially in contrast to how they are applied (or not) today.
In his review of a wide range of topics, notably international relations, economic policy, federal-provincial relations, and political strategy, the author here provides a nuanced understanding of the decision-making processes and challenges faced by political leaders. Most importantly, this understanding goes beyond what is captured in the mainstream media of today, which is vitally important considering the soundbite and “gotcha” politics the 24-hour news cycle has fostered.
Now, “The Way It Works” is certainly not without its bias. Conversely, I do not conceive it possible for anyone really to work for two decades with specific people and not have some sort of bias towards the collective actions they would have taken. However, Goldenberg does offer a balanced approach to the Canadian political arena, focusing more on the understanding of the dynamics of governance itself rather than the actual discussion around the decisions made and their impact. Through this, I was thrilled to also find reflection into the evolution of Canadian politics, applicable even today albeit the political landscape has completely changed.
Overall, “The Way It Works” was an illuminating exploration of Canadian politics – one that should provide readers a deeper appreciation for the factors not only surrounding what has shaped Canada’s current political situation, but also those that directly influence the decisions the Prime Minister and their Cabinet makes on a daily basis. I found it to be a captivating journey that provided a comprehensive & engaging portrait of Canadian politics. It is highly recommended for all Canadians seeking better understanding of what makes our country run. Happy reading!
March 29, 2023
Insights into government, politics and democracy
The Way it Works illustrates decision making within governments. It's written by Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien's right hand man for many years, Eddie Goldenberg.
Although it's about Canada and the big decisions made there-not participating in the war in Iraq, the law to stop the country from breaking up, the lessons are applicable in different western countries.
I've used insights in local government in the Netherlands. I even quoted the book in a consulting proposal for the Dutch Prime Minister (which they accepted).
If you want to understand how government works, this is the way to do it: read Goldenberg's book.
The Way it Works illustrates decision making within governments. It's written by Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien's right hand man for many years, Eddie Goldenberg.
Although it's about Canada and the big decisions made there-not participating in the war in Iraq, the law to stop the country from breaking up, the lessons are applicable in different western countries.
I've used insights in local government in the Netherlands. I even quoted the book in a consulting proposal for the Dutch Prime Minister (which they accepted).
If you want to understand how government works, this is the way to do it: read Goldenberg's book.
May 12, 2020
Yes, it's an biased history of the Chrétien years as prime minister, but that a given as Goldenberg was was with him every step of the way. Fact is, it's a well-written and insightful history of the issues and many of the personalities that dominated Canadian politics and news during that era. Well worth the read.
January 12, 2020
Excellent book best political book I've read on how the government works covering the October Crisis & Referendums to the decision to stay out of the iraq war and critical moments during 9/11
April 22, 2012
A definite love letter to Chrétien and an interesting look at politics from his top advisor. It is easy to forget how long Chrétien was Prime Minister and how many important events and times he was in power for. George Bush (both), '95 Referendum, 9/11, Paul Martin, Clinton, Sponsorship Scandal etc. Goldenberg tends to downplay or explain away the failures while celebrating the successes which is to be expected but it was a good read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews