Strength of Conviction

by Tom Mulcair

Tom Mulcair has been called the strongest opposition leader in the television era. He’s won the respect of his opponents for his political skill, and the trust and admiration of observers for his unwavering conviction and proven integrity. His personal story, how he rose from modest beginnings in a hard-working family to the threshold of forming government, is less well known.

Now, in this fascinating autobiography, we discover the man behind the headlines, who he is, how he thinks, and how he comes by the values that shaped his character. Learn about his vision to empower Canadians to build a more prosperous, hopeful country, to reduce disparities, to protect our rights and freedoms, and to preserve our land and waters for future generations.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Memoir, History, Canada

200 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2015

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this timely, autobiographical piece, Mulcair offers the reader an insightful glimpse into his life and lays the groundwork for political change. Mulcair spins the story of his life, from his famous ancestors involved in early post-Confenderation Quebec politics to his salt of the earth parents who raised ten children. Mulcair uses his large family beginnings to argue that he knows all too well the role of sacrifice in Canadian households, but also the passion that a family unit can have, if held together cohesively. As the piece continues, Mulcair highlights his student days, including his push to study at McGill, where he earned a law degree, and into his young adult days using the law to help Quebeckers through various government programs and in the private world as an advocate for numerous unions and collective groups. While always a hard worker, Mulcair did not shy away from his family, marrying and having two sons he adored. The juxtaposition of family and work is not lost in this book, as Mulcair juggles both but utilises them as his anchor and vetting group on all major decisions in his life. Being able to balance home and work life helped foster his transition into the politic realm and crowned with a plum Cabinet position in Jean Charest's Liberal Government, heading up the Environment portfolio in the province of Quebec, where he learned the importance of advocacy for not only his constituents, but the province as a whole. Mulcair shows his passion on every page as he lays out the story, including his hard decision to leave Cabinet over a strong disagreement with Charest. His arrival on the federal scene is equally exciting, as Mulcair shows that he not only has the passion for all Canadians, extrapolating the passion for his home province, but also holds a great deal of insight into what could be, using the tools the the disposal of all Canadians and their elected government. The latter portion of the book, with Mulcair at the helm of the Official Opposition, shows embedded arguments to exemplify how the New Democratic Party could make a difference in Canada and serve the people without driving the country into bankruptcy. Mulcair's passion for family and country alike flow forth in every part of the book, making his argument as a viable alternative to the Harper Conservatives one rooted in fact, rather than fantasy. A must-read for all Canadians who are not yet sure about the man behind the New Democratic Party, especially ahead of the October 19, 2015 General Election.

Mulcair presents his story in a succinct and highly readable fashion, which caters to all readers and allows his story to flow with ease. He encapsulates his life in an easy to digest way, while also making key arguments throughout, peppered with some of his experiences and those who have crossed his path. I will admit, I knew nothing of the man before he became the Quebec lieutenant of the New Democrats, but soaked up much of his narrative and enjoyed seeing how he made his way from a household of twelve into the formative role as Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition. Mulcair has a knack with his storytelling, luring the reader in just enough to get an insight. The autobiography serves multiple purposes, as informative piece, introduction to Canadians, and quasi-political platform, which permits it to cater to a large swath of individuals. A quick but highly informative read that should not be passed up, given the chance to indulge.

Mulcair's summer release of this autobiography and parts of its content, specifically in the latter chapters, plays right into the hands of the General Election in Canada on October 19, 2015. Mulcair presents himself as a man, a leader, and a prime minister-in-waiting with his poignant piece. With the Orange Wave having crashed on the shores of Alberta last spring (*Gasp* as only Canadians will understand the significance of this), Mulcair seeks to build on the earlier Quebec Wave and bring the New Democratic Party into the mainstream with its ideas and hands-on approach. I felt as though the book scratched only the surface of Mulcair's life and experiences and hope, should time allow, that he flesh-out some of these experiences into a full memoir once he has retired from public life. While I am no oracle, there may be some very interesting chapters yet to be borne or penned, many of which I would love to read about, especially if October holds the change that appears on the horizon.

Kudos, Mr. Mulcair for this great snapshot into your life. You make your point without inculcating ideology or insinuating insults, which shows how classy you are as you push forward in the dirty area of federal politics.

Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unsurprising political memoir, but surprisingly refreshing.

Maybe it's because Mr Mulcair is relatively unknown, maybe it's because he's the first NDP leader with a shot at 24 Sussex. Whatever it is, it makes this a pretty readable book. Unlike many political memoirs that elide a candidate's early life in a few chapters to get to their politics, this does the opposite. Great time is spent on Mulcair's early life and political career, slowly and properly bringing us to today and his closing call for "a better Canada."

So it's not a new idea, but it is very well executed. And it's definitely a "Hi, I'm Tom and I'd love to get to know you" type of book.

[Steven Langdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books by politicians are important (think the Crossman Diaries in the UK that detailed the day-to-day workings of democratic government so superbly.) Some books by politicians are revealing (think Obama's "Dreams from My Father.") And some books by politicians are timely (think Hilary Clinton's pre-campaign memoir "Hard Choices.")

But it is rare to find a book from an active politician that is all three at the same time -- important, revealing and timely. Plus well-written. "Strength of Conviction" is such a book and that is why it has been leading the Canadian non-fiction best-sellers list since it was released on August 1, 2015.

Tom Mulcair and his NDP are leading the polls in the election campaign that is taking place in Canada now (heading into September 2015.) He has impressed people across the country through his work as Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons, pressing reluctant government ministers to reveal embarrassing information and details of political deception by the Prime Minister's Office. But outside Quebec, the province where he served as provincial Minister of the Environment, he and his background are not that well known. So this is an important book that helps fill that gap, outlining Mulcair's early life, his (bicultural) family roots and the events that have shaped his values and perspectives.

Remarkably, despite the forthcoming election, this is also a very revealing book. I am amazed at how forthcoming Mulcair is about the complex dynamics within his own family -- how his father's loss of unemployment changed all their lives, for instance. I was also deeply moved by the emotional love story that brought him together with Catherine Pinhas, the young Jewish girl from a very different background and social status from his own Catholic upbringing. Mulcair is just as open about the various people who shaped his values (from an activist priest who taught him to Jack Layton and Claude Ryan.) His conflicts with Jean Charest are also laid out honestly.

All of this makes this a very timely book. There are those accusing Mulcair of taking his NDP to the right, and others scorning the seriousness of his electoral promises. But this book shows a very different reality. This is a man rare in our Canadian politics, who has reached where he is by hard work (roofing Montreal houses as a labourer to pay his way through university,) who has developed serious environmental priorities through action not rhetoric and who has a well-developed philosophy of social commitment rooted in a different progressive tradition than past NDP leaders. That's where strength of conviction comes from -- and it promises a seriousness of purpose and follow through that will be stronger than for many of our recent Prime Ministers.

Tom Mulcair is running a powerful campaign to win the present election. This book is not his policy document, and readers will look in vain for a list of what exactly he intends to do. That campaign document will be released throughout the election process. But this book tells us who Mulcair is, what he cares about most (environmental improvement, women's equality and aboriginal rights -- plus economic fairness,) how he would govern (with a stress on transparency) and how he sees the world.

As Canada considers whether to elect Mulcair, this is a crucial book to read.

[Kenn Chaplin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read, beginning with Tom's early life in a large family, all the way through university and his double law degrees until the nearly seamless move to politics where he has put some of his strong ideas into practice - with more to come. The book ends abruptly in the early days of the 2015 campaign...like right now...so there is an epilogue still to be written, co-authored, I hope, by the hundreds of thousands who will read this book and elect New Democrats.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I challenge you to read this book and not end up liking Tom Mulcair. My only complaint about the book is that it's a little unfocused and doesn't know what it wants to be. Are these his memoirs? Or his political manifesto? He'll be going over his story and then go on a three-page tangent about his views on a certain topic, and without warning.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars! Really interesting autobiography of Tom Mulcair's life, primarily his professional life in Quebec politics leading to his time in Federal Politics. Well worth the read for anyone interested in Canadian history even for those who do not necessarily support Mulcair's political beliefs.

[Ben Lund · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Tom Mulcair when he was in the official opposition, he seemed like a forthright individual who wasn't interested in BS and wanted to hold the government to account. Basically, doing his job. That straight forward attitude is on display in this book. He's not sermonizing on why the NDP should be elected, in fact the NDP get almost no mention in the first half of the book. And he's not taking potshots at the other parties, he recounts things they may have done that he did or did not agree with. But that is what makes up history.

This is really a straight-forward autobiography, from youth to school to government to politics. An interesting read on the man who would be Prime Minister. My only regret is that I did not read it before the last election, I would have like to see more of Mulcair on the political stage, but that is unfortunately not to be the case.

[Alex Hartig · Rating 2 out of 5]

As far as a recap of Tom Mulcair's political career it's good. But it's just the normal schlock politicians of all stripes turn out before trying to win an election.

[Alan Bowker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Mulcair’s memoir appears at the beginning of the longest Canadian federal election campaign in recent history. This is both its strength and its weakness. It is in fact two books, one quite good, the other inevitable and ordinary.
One cannot help comparing it with Justin Trudeau’s autobiography, which revealed a great deal about the impact of an unusual and very public childhood. Mulcair tells the story of a very different background which shaped his character and beliefs. Both books are the genuine voices of their authors (albeit with assistance). Stephen Harper is not likely ever to write anything as revealing as either book. His minions will be on the lookout for attack ad fodder, as they have done, relentlessly, with Trudeau.
Mulcair recounts his childhood, in a large family, which his father worked courageously to support. On his French-Canadian mother’s side he is descended from the legendary Honoré Mercier, and he is named after his father’s brother who was killed in the Second World War. From the description of his childhood, his admiration for his parents, his courtship and marriage, and his relationship with his own children, family values for Mulcair are not a mere slogan.
We learn of the profound influence of his teacher Father Cox, a truly remarkable social activist, his admiration for Claude Ryan, and his engagement as a federalist in the debates over the future of Quebec. As someone who had to fight his way up, Mulcair was energetic, ambitious, and formidably intelligent, achieving positions of responsibility at a very young age. He displays courage, willingness to take risks rather than compromise his ideals, and a certain propensity to play hardball all the time, something he has had to learn to control. He does not let political differences get in the way of personal friendship with people he admires.
Unfortunately, as the story proceeds into his political career, first as a Quebec MNA and cabinet minister, then as disciple of and successor to Jack Layton, it becomes increasingly two-dimensional. Mulcair’s prose is terse, measured, clear, and to the point, but somehow lacks passion – no risk of sounding like Angry Tom.
The latter part of the book is really an election manifesto, carefully crafted to showcase the positions and values of the NDP, link them to Mulcair’s past and his record, and avoid or parry the inevitable attacks. This will be useful for many readers who want to know more about the party and its platform. Those who want more substance and less spin will regret the limitations this imposes.
Nonetheless, the book tells us much that we need to know about the man who would be prime minister. It is both welcome and essential reading.

[Alexander Kosoris · Rating 3 out of 5]

When it comes to politics, I will admit that, while I can be highly opinionated, I have historically been largely apathetic. In making it my quest to become a more informed, active (hopefully) citizen, I figured that reading the memoirs written by leaders of major federal parties would probably be helpful. Since I was leaning toward voting NDP in the October election, I felt that a good place to start would be with Strength of Conviction, and, while I wouldn’t exactly say it scared me away, I wouldn’t say it was necessarily helpful in securing my vote.

In Strength of Conviction, Mulcair succeeds in writing the equivalent of dry sap: rarely exciting and frequently, well, sappy. It had a flow to match such a description, jerking away from observations from his past to awkwardly cram in jokes and his political beliefs. Of course, as much as I felt this was a measure of poor writing, I suspect that everything that garnered my criticism was, sadly, due to the author’s intentions. Mulcair appeared to be doing everything in his power to come across as a common man, like a friendly neighbour or an uncle that you hardly see. And, of course, it’s not all bad: From having a front row seat at such important moments of our past, such as the 1995 referendum in Quebec that very nearly tore the country apart, Uncle Tom actually has some interesting things to say. By the end, I’d even venture so far to say that he effectively finds his voice, becoming downright inspiring.

So, did Strength of Conviction teach me much about Mulcair or his party? Perhaps, though I’m probably jumping to conclusions that he would prefer I didn’t, mainly based on a writing style that didn’t work for me. Luckily for him, I don’t judge writing abilities too high on my list of requirements for the competence of a politician.

[Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not a very difficult book to read. Within the first seven pages one learns of Mr Mulcair's humble Irish roots on his father's side but also of his maternal pure laine, refined, political pedigree and his descent from not one nor two but three famous Premiers of Quebec. Impressively for a biography, the memoir skips over entirely the years 1998 to 2003, and the year 2010. Surprisingly, the book devotes five pages to pig manure but zero to Mulcair's being sued successfully for defamation. Oddly, one is treated to bizarre anecdotes about him visiting Quebec ridings and correctly guessing how well the NDP would do in 2011, and the outlandish claim that his team identified 7,000 new supporters during the final twelve days of the 2007 Outremont by-election. The parts about his childhood, his close family, and his relationship with Jack Laytom are nice enough though.

All in all, the book is worth a read (if you can get past the self-righteous and moralizing tone), if only due to Mr Mulcair's undeniable influence in contemporary Canadian politics and the fact that he may well end up as the next Prime Minister.

[Eric Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read over the weekend, it is an easy read. I felt after reading the book I understand him and his family better. I am not sure I truly know the man from the book as it did not cover many failure/reflection cycles. As a politician he appears to have being lucky i.e. winning every election he stood for first time, that is unusual for most politicians, and I wonder how that affects him. I would also say whilst I understand his goals, I am not entirely sure how he would wish to achieve them. Some of the debates (2015) and the NDP policies seem to show that, also his humour does not come over in the book. Often in politics most agree on the vision, but the how is where all the fighting takes places. A worth while read for the 2015 Election.

[Sheri Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the following words he has earned my unwavering support and respect, "...the labour movement has been responsible for the greatest reduction in social inequality in history. I t was unionized workers who forced governments to introduce the weekend (nor eroded for many middle-class working families); the eight-hour day; the minimum wage; workers' compensation, without which, not so long ago, a work-related accident could mean financial disaster for an entire family; sick days; vacation days;...and the list goes on."pg 122. Without a doubt he is a great Canadian who has dedicated his life to the betterment of Canada.

[Annalisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book in about a week. It was a surprisingly good read and I know I'll refer back to it from time to time to revisit some of his more compelling arguments and historical passages. His experiences in life and work make him seem about as perfect a fit for the job of Prime Minister as one can be. I am increasingly enthusiastic about Tom Mulcair, his record, and his ability to work with people from all walks of life to get things done. You can tell from his story that he is a good man, surrounded by good people, who is in politics for all the right reasons.

[Max · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book reads the way Thomas Mulcair speaks (if you watch any of his interviews or press junkets). It's straight-forward, to the point, and didn't really tell us a whole lot more than we probably knew anyway.

I do quite like Tom Mulcair - I think he is a principled politician, and would make a great prime minister - but I don't think this book would convince anyone who might have been on the fence about the NDP.

A ghost writer, or perhaps a co-writer, could have made this a far more interesting autobiography.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would rate this book closer to a 3.5 in terms of organization and content. That said, I think that not only did the book offer interesting insight on Tom Mulcair, his viewpoint, his history, and his party, but it also touched on many issues that are or should be at the forefront in the coming election. Do I agree with his perspective on every issue? No. But I do think that every Canadian should be reading this book to develop a better understanding of the important decision they will face this October.

[Tiyahna Ridley-Padmore · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of the easier-to-digest political memoir's that I have read. Mulcair presents himself as familiar, relatable and accessible. As Mulcair spoke of sitting in an unfurnished apartment eating supper off of recycled boxes, readers got a feel for his "came-from-a-family-of-twelve-and-started-from-the-bottom" narrative. Though this book wasn't as vulnerable as it probably could have been, I enjoyed learning more about Mulcair and getting a better understanding of his simple, personable and hard-working character.

[Catherine Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Political autobiographies are not meant to be great literature, and of course they take a partisan point if view. This one ends with a segue to the current Federal election campaign. Mulcair wrote this himself and I was pleased to find that his writing is both articulate and engaging. I now have a much more in depth understanding of his background, experience, and readiness for the job of Prime Minister. Of course, for comparison, I must now read other leaders' biographies!

[Ehbooklover · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I was surprised by how much I actually liked this book. I learned a lot and now have a real respect for Mulcair's principled stances and the fact that he doesn't take the easy way out when dealing with difficult situations. I'm glad I read this (and Trudeau's book) and I would definitely recommend that you read them if you want to educate yourself about the party leaders before voting in the upcoming federal election.

[Russ Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, much better than I anticipated.

While it was obviously written with the current election campaign in mind, I was impressed by Mulcair's depth of experience, and the palpable passion with which he writes of the indignities done to Canada's First Nations, and the difference in the way non-bilingual legislation was resolved in Quebec and Manitoba (for each of which he was an active participant).

Highly recommended however you are leaning politically this year.

[Una Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written an interesting look into the life of NDP leader Thomas Mulcair. His large family upbringing in Quebec, his rise to leadership of the NDP and political beliefs make up the core of the book and portray him just as he seems, a Canadian with a true understanding of politics and a good person. Its refreshing to real a biography thats as laid back and unaffected as this. I would recommend it to anyone interested in Canada or Canadian politics.

[Samuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally gave up on the book. I have sympathy of many of Thomas Mulcair's perspectives, and enjoyed the sections on growing up, but once he launched into Quebec politics and linked to present NDP policy it became much less enjoyable. A better editor would have helped.

[Scott Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to read Tom Mulcair's autobiography before the 2015 election. The book is well written. It strengthened my view of Mr. Mulcair as a man of principle. The story of his life growing up as one of a large family in Quebec was very interesting.

[Stanley Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

to say his upbringing isn't easy is an understatement.

[M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

an excellent book about Thomas Muclair's early life and rise to the position of leader of the opposition.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an "okay" read for me, on all levels.
Interesting, but not a page turner. The chapters that discussed Quebec politics and the referendum were my favorite.

[Alyn Lunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty well written, a timely read as his leadership is under review.