Politics of Purpose, 40th Anniversary Edition: The Right Honourable John N. Turner, 17th Prime Minister of Canada

by John N. Turner, Elizabeth McIninch, Arthur Milnes

To understand a public figure like John Turner it is necessary to start with what he said and what he wrote. This volume is an updated edition of Turner's 1968 book of speeches, Politics of Purpose, published as part of his efforts campaigning for leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada upon the retirement of Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson.

This revised edition contains many of the original entries but also brings the public record up-to-date with his post-1968 reflections on Parliament, government, the Liberal Party, law, and the environment. Most significantly, this book documents Turner's prominent ongoing battle against the Free Trade Agreement with the United States that culminated in the 1988 federal election; the 20th anniversary of this election was marked by the Centre for the Study of Democracy with a conference at Queen's University in October 2008 in honour of the 17th prime minister. Mrs Geills M. Turner, a professional photographer, now retired, has contributed a selection of her personal family photographs to illustrate this volume.

183 pages, Paperback

First published November 28, 2008

Reviews

[Marie]

John Napier Turner was a late 20th century Canadian politician of the Liberal Party of Canada. He was always within the shadow of Pierre Elliot Trudeau, but as a passionate public servant he moved several issues forward and was a true advocate for Canadian issues. He became Prime Minister in 1984 after having been elected leader of the Liberal Party. His tenure was cut short after only 79 days when the Liberals lost an election to the Conservative Party and Brian Mulroney. Turner was a *heart on his sleeve* defender of Canadian interests. A dedicated federalist, he acknowledged the rights and duties of the provinces - and their unique differences.

This collection of speeches and a few other writings are compiled and introduced by those who have a bent towards Turner hagiography. But they are still very valid as a cipher of a certain political - perhaps lost within the 20th century - philosophy. His speeches reflect a man who is sure of his progressivism. Within a 21st century context, they shine as an exemplar of good intentions of an Oxford educated elite white male. I mention this only to note how important it is to be aware of our own cultural, temporal and social relativities. Everything is on a continuum.

His words reflect an ethos; he desires to fully include Indigenous within a *Canadian* system, without mention of the validity of Indigenous cultures and inclusiveness of Indigenous values and worldview. A long speech about *the poor* advocates for systemic reform; but his rhetoric creates an image of *the poor* as object. His words also reflect a binary view of English v French Canada - his writings focus on Quebec as French, and the rest of Canada as English.

But, there are many strong passages. Turner is at his best for me in two areas: his discussions about the 1970 War Measures Act make a strong legislative and moral case for the actions of the federal government; his words around the Meech Lake and Charlottetown Accords represent his own strong vision for Canada and his belief in the unique power and value of the country. The chapters on his federalist vision were especially powerful and apt.

If you have an interest in Canadian party politics and current issues, I recommend this compilation as a perspective on the Liberal political philosophy.

[Stanley Lee]

Learned a lot that I didn't know before about John Turner.