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Harperland: The Politics Of Control
After four years in power, Stephen Harper's governance comes under the microscope of prominent Globe and Mail columnist Lawrence Martin. Focusing on the growth of executive power under Harper and drawing on interviews with prominent insiders, Martin probes the smearing of opponents, the silencing of the public and diplomatic service, the secrecy, the prorogations, the unprecedented centralizing of power, and the attempted muzzling of the media. He examines controversies such as the existence of a secret dirty-tricks handbook, the Chuck Cadman affair, campaign financing, the dismissal of nuclear power head Linda Keen, the Afghan detainees cover-up, the turning of access-to-information laws into barricades to information, and more—and lets readers draw their own conclusions. Tough but balanced, Harperland offers a clear picture of a skilled politician at a crucial point in Canadian politics.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2010
13 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Lawrence Martin
8 books4 followersLibrarian's note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. This is Lawrence^^Martin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 2, 2011
Lawrence Martin has an engaging, effortless writing style that draws you in right from the first sentence. I wanted to read Harperland because of Parliament's increasing dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. I put it on hold at the Toronto Public Library, and by the time I got it, the election was underway. I wanted to read it more than ever by then, but anticipating a tough slog of the must-read kind of reading, I procrastinated. I should've known better.
I had read one of Martin's books before, on Lucien Bouchard, called The Antagonist: Lucien Bouchard and the Politics of Delusion. I'd read that one as background research on biography writing for my own book, a biography on a medical pioneer titled Lifeliner: The Judy Taylor Story. I read a number of biographies back in the 1990s to get a feel for the genre, and Martin's book on Bouchard stood out for me not only for its numerous documented interviews and how he gained access to people close to the subject, but also for its breezy yet serious style, the way he brought the personality to life, and all the insights he gave the reader. The book's subject was heavy; the writing was not. And so it is with Harperland.
In Harperland, Martin connects the dots of how Harper has incrementally brought Soviet-style authoritarianism to Canada's Parliament. He also answers the question of why Harper sought power in the first place. He seemed an unlikely candidate to reach for the leadership of the new Conservative Party, and to my mind, being one of his subjects since 2006, it seemed like he sought power for power's sake. But it was more than that, as I learnt. What Martin reveals made me even more concerned for my democracy, the cornerstone of which is that we all get a say in our country, we all respect each others' views no matter how opposed, and we work together for the good of Canada. Of course, what I think is good for Canada, others may not. But what made Confederation an historic achievement is that people with disparate views took the time to hammer out the foundation for our country without bloodshed or wanting to exterminate the "other guy." Harper turned his back on such an idea, even if at times he was able to let go of his partisanship and act in a way that befits a Prime Minister, the first representative of all the people of Canada. As Martin concludes: "character is fate."
I came to realise that Harper was able to achieve his centralization of power for two reasons: people in his party let him, and the rules of Parliament are all based on unwritten tradition. If you get a man who couldn't care less about "how it's usually done," then no psychological or social checks are going to dissuade him from accruing power unto himself. Even more than before I read this book, I believe we need not only electoral but Parliamentary reform also so that there are real consequences to Prime Ministers or parties who indulge in this kind of behaviour.
Interestingly, I learnt a bit about the Liberal Party and Jack Layton as well from reading this book. As I raced to beat the library due date, the election for Canada's forty-first Parliament was racing to its end too. And I suddenly saw that the mistakes the Liberal Party made in the last election were repeated in this one. It wasn't just a matter of a faulty leadership. The Liberal Party simply did not use the time in between the elections to learn from their mistakes and prepare for this election. On the other hand, Layton did.
I read the ePub edition of Harperland (which by the way is shockingly priced), but I assume the text file was the same one that was used for the print edition. There is much talk in the writing and publishing communities about whether self- or indie-publishing is legitimate or on a par with or better than traditional publishing. One of the big arguments for the latter being preferable for writers is that traditional publishers produce a superior product; they edit and proofread at a professional level. Well, um, how shall I put it? Oh yeah. Bull. This book was rife with typos. As the book went on, the typos increased as if the proofreader got tired of catching all the uncapitalized first words in sentences or uncapitalized names, as well as ensuring spaces between words. For a book that costs (choke) $35, I expect professional proofreading.
Overall, Harperland is a good, thought-provoking read, not only about Harper but also about our democracy and the weaknesses in our Parliamentary system.
I had read one of Martin's books before, on Lucien Bouchard, called The Antagonist: Lucien Bouchard and the Politics of Delusion. I'd read that one as background research on biography writing for my own book, a biography on a medical pioneer titled Lifeliner: The Judy Taylor Story. I read a number of biographies back in the 1990s to get a feel for the genre, and Martin's book on Bouchard stood out for me not only for its numerous documented interviews and how he gained access to people close to the subject, but also for its breezy yet serious style, the way he brought the personality to life, and all the insights he gave the reader. The book's subject was heavy; the writing was not. And so it is with Harperland.
In Harperland, Martin connects the dots of how Harper has incrementally brought Soviet-style authoritarianism to Canada's Parliament. He also answers the question of why Harper sought power in the first place. He seemed an unlikely candidate to reach for the leadership of the new Conservative Party, and to my mind, being one of his subjects since 2006, it seemed like he sought power for power's sake. But it was more than that, as I learnt. What Martin reveals made me even more concerned for my democracy, the cornerstone of which is that we all get a say in our country, we all respect each others' views no matter how opposed, and we work together for the good of Canada. Of course, what I think is good for Canada, others may not. But what made Confederation an historic achievement is that people with disparate views took the time to hammer out the foundation for our country without bloodshed or wanting to exterminate the "other guy." Harper turned his back on such an idea, even if at times he was able to let go of his partisanship and act in a way that befits a Prime Minister, the first representative of all the people of Canada. As Martin concludes: "character is fate."
I came to realise that Harper was able to achieve his centralization of power for two reasons: people in his party let him, and the rules of Parliament are all based on unwritten tradition. If you get a man who couldn't care less about "how it's usually done," then no psychological or social checks are going to dissuade him from accruing power unto himself. Even more than before I read this book, I believe we need not only electoral but Parliamentary reform also so that there are real consequences to Prime Ministers or parties who indulge in this kind of behaviour.
Interestingly, I learnt a bit about the Liberal Party and Jack Layton as well from reading this book. As I raced to beat the library due date, the election for Canada's forty-first Parliament was racing to its end too. And I suddenly saw that the mistakes the Liberal Party made in the last election were repeated in this one. It wasn't just a matter of a faulty leadership. The Liberal Party simply did not use the time in between the elections to learn from their mistakes and prepare for this election. On the other hand, Layton did.
I read the ePub edition of Harperland (which by the way is shockingly priced), but I assume the text file was the same one that was used for the print edition. There is much talk in the writing and publishing communities about whether self- or indie-publishing is legitimate or on a par with or better than traditional publishing. One of the big arguments for the latter being preferable for writers is that traditional publishers produce a superior product; they edit and proofread at a professional level. Well, um, how shall I put it? Oh yeah. Bull. This book was rife with typos. As the book went on, the typos increased as if the proofreader got tired of catching all the uncapitalized first words in sentences or uncapitalized names, as well as ensuring spaces between words. For a book that costs (choke) $35, I expect professional proofreading.
Overall, Harperland is a good, thought-provoking read, not only about Harper but also about our democracy and the weaknesses in our Parliamentary system.
January 10, 2012
Ten things you don’t know about Steve Harper, the leader of Canada’s “Corporate Party”
1. Harper’s an Evangelist (i.e. a Holy Roller, but he doesn’t believe in it, it’s just for show, it’s actually just a front for “corporate interests”)
1. Harper’s church rejected divorcee Laureen, so after living common-law together, they married in a civil ceremony on December 11, 1993. So much for his religious shtick.
2. He's getting divorced (check out his website, all pics of Harper and Laureen together have been removed; note I don’t care they broke up, I care how he lies about it for 3 /4 years
2. His “personal assistant” Ray♥Novak used to live in Harper’s backyard above the garage… FOR YEARS… what wife would put up with THAT?
3. Member of the fundamentalist Christian Alliance Church (they don't like gay people)
4. Member of the Northern Foundation (I think they don't like black people)
5. Member of the Calgary School of Political Science (they don’t like science)
6. Leader of the Reforma/Alliance Party (they don't like women)
7. Former Head of the National Citizens Coalition (they want to kill our national health care)
8. Supporter of The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (AstroTurfers who want to kill Canada’s social safety net while running a pyramid scheme cheating taxpayers out of revenue from wealthy corporate donors)
8. He’s not a real Red Tory Conservative; he’s a Reforma Alliance CRAP Party thing
9. His grandfather (Harper’s family is from Moncton, New Brunswick) either offed himself after becoming mentally ill or ran off with a woman, the truth is never talked about for some reason
10. The asthmatic Harper wears a $3,000 weave on top of his head (he's obsessed with his own image and has a special salt & pepper one for elections, brown other times)
11. Steve hates to travel and didn’t get a passport until he could travel at the public’s expense
12. Steve hates being a politician, is uncomfortable in groups, really dislikes glad-handing
13. Steve Harper was president of his high school's Young Liberals Club at Richview in Toronto; he also appeared on Reach for the Top t.v. program. Harper is not dumb, he just works for the interests of rich corporations / big business instead of for you
14. Spends every second of every waking moment plotting his scorched earth policy against Canada’s Natural Governing Party, The Liberals
Shouldn’t Steve Harper be working on other things? Like help for struggling families.
C.R.U.S.H.
- Canadians Rallying to Unseat Steve Harper
Multi-Partisan Discussion Group of 7,500+ People
http://www.facebook.com/groups/292671...
www.unseatHarper.ca
1. Harper’s an Evangelist (i.e. a Holy Roller, but he doesn’t believe in it, it’s just for show, it’s actually just a front for “corporate interests”)
1. Harper’s church rejected divorcee Laureen, so after living common-law together, they married in a civil ceremony on December 11, 1993. So much for his religious shtick.
2. He's getting divorced (check out his website, all pics of Harper and Laureen together have been removed; note I don’t care they broke up, I care how he lies about it for 3 /4 years
2. His “personal assistant” Ray♥Novak used to live in Harper’s backyard above the garage… FOR YEARS… what wife would put up with THAT?
3. Member of the fundamentalist Christian Alliance Church (they don't like gay people)
4. Member of the Northern Foundation (I think they don't like black people)
5. Member of the Calgary School of Political Science (they don’t like science)
6. Leader of the Reforma/Alliance Party (they don't like women)
7. Former Head of the National Citizens Coalition (they want to kill our national health care)
8. Supporter of The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (AstroTurfers who want to kill Canada’s social safety net while running a pyramid scheme cheating taxpayers out of revenue from wealthy corporate donors)
8. He’s not a real Red Tory Conservative; he’s a Reforma Alliance CRAP Party thing
9. His grandfather (Harper’s family is from Moncton, New Brunswick) either offed himself after becoming mentally ill or ran off with a woman, the truth is never talked about for some reason
10. The asthmatic Harper wears a $3,000 weave on top of his head (he's obsessed with his own image and has a special salt & pepper one for elections, brown other times)
11. Steve hates to travel and didn’t get a passport until he could travel at the public’s expense
12. Steve hates being a politician, is uncomfortable in groups, really dislikes glad-handing
13. Steve Harper was president of his high school's Young Liberals Club at Richview in Toronto; he also appeared on Reach for the Top t.v. program. Harper is not dumb, he just works for the interests of rich corporations / big business instead of for you
14. Spends every second of every waking moment plotting his scorched earth policy against Canada’s Natural Governing Party, The Liberals
Shouldn’t Steve Harper be working on other things? Like help for struggling families.
C.R.U.S.H.
- Canadians Rallying to Unseat Steve Harper
Multi-Partisan Discussion Group of 7,500+ People
http://www.facebook.com/groups/292671...
www.unseatHarper.ca
Want to read
February 11, 2012Interesting read -- the rise of a politician with a not so blind ambition. On the contrary, the silent minority has been blind-sided by Harper's sneaky maneuverings in Ottawa on behalf of big business. Can't wait to read the sequel, 'the fall of a polititican'. Sorry, hard to be objective about this snake in the grass. Kudos to Lawrence Martin for his restraint -- at times, I could have sworn he actually liked his subject.
July 1, 2011
An important book in light of its subject's recent majority government, albeit a highly depressing one. Reasonably well-informed readers will recall most of the events in this book, even the ones they may have wanted to forget. What's surprising is just how far Harper is willing to go to completely demolish his enemies and what he is prepared to do in quest of power. Martin's interviews extend over all party lines and include former staffers, so there is no shortage of viewpoints and it feels like a well-rounded book. However the cumulative impact made me feel quite ill by the time I'd finished. For that reason I'd say it's probably best read a couple of chapters at a time, with a comfort read on hand to escape into immediately afterward.
April 14, 2011
This is a pretty good run-down of all the reasons to find Harper and his people scary and loathsome. It covers the issues that have been in the public eye over the last 5 years, as well as some background info from the Reform & Alliance days. What it didn't really get into, which I am curious about, is WHY THE HELL IS HE LIKE THIS? But it's not all bad. Some of Harper's traits I can understand, recognize in myself, and even almost admire, but not the way he uses them. Too much killer instinct, too few scruples.
October 7, 2012
The reading of this book left me perplex. It surely highlights how anti-democratic Harper's top-to-bottom methods are. However, it also shines a light on how disciplined and effective he is, two characteristics that are utterly needed in the public arena.
Harperland is an interesting read for whomever wants to get a better grasp of Harper's accomplishments (both constructive and destructive), and a more complete portrait of one of Canada's most controversial prime ministers.
Harperland is an interesting read for whomever wants to get a better grasp of Harper's accomplishments (both constructive and destructive), and a more complete portrait of one of Canada's most controversial prime ministers.
January 25, 2011
Mr. Martin certainly wrote a very thorough, thoughtful and insightful review of not only Stephen Harper, but his party as well. I find it amazing that Mr. Harper harbours such long-standing hatreds and slights and can't seem to stop himself for going for the jogular when matters are not going his way.
January 25, 2011
Rather alarming to realize that Mr. Harper has been given pretty much a free reign by both his own party and the opposition because they are so afraid of reprecussions from the PMO's office. Shame on them and shame on us for not calling them on it enough.
July 28, 2020
So what I got out from this is the author has a bias standpoint of Stephen Harper as Prime Minister. Martin goes on comparing pervious Prime Ministers leadership and bashing on Stephen Harper. Largely disliked by the public, Harper ignores on policies that is prevalent to society from human rights, environment and visible minorities. Personally, I like it when books explain a person backstory than covering tabloid news that influence their leadership skills. I truly believe Stephen Harper is better on some aspects in governing than just being labelled as "conservative".
August 6, 2023
A little dated at this point but an insightful look into Harper's leadership style, the internal part dynamics of the newly merged Conservative and Alliance parties, and the failures of the Liberals to topple Harper's minority government.
December 1, 2025
Came out of this one for a renewed hatred for the CPC. Interesting for anyone who wants context on PP: there’s a very similar strategy in the modern party that this book outlines the origins of. Makes sense our old vampire PM came out of his crypt to endorse our current stornoway resident.
August 15, 2017
The political analysis is clearly skewed. However, I really appreciated the recounting of key political stories for this time period when I was not as attuned to political headlines.
December 7, 2018
The lack of effort at balanced coverage detracts from the quality of the work.
July 8, 2019
What an in-depth account! Rick Mercer was only half joking when he said that Harper left politics to spend more time with his anger.
November 20, 2019
An interesting story, but far from a page turner, the last couple of chapters were the best.
June 2, 2020
*3.5 Stars*
May 2, 2021
"You can't stop people who are never embarrassed by themselves."
- Norman Mailer
- Norman Mailer
April 2, 2022
A little outdated at times, but still a telling--and informative--read.
August 17, 2022
The Harper government, as detailed by Martin, is a warning to Canadians regarding electing politicians with an authoritarian bent. Will we forgot that warning?
September 21, 2025
I am reading this in 2025. Somewhat tongue in cheek, I ask if Trump is Harper-lite or is Harper Trump-lite?
I must keep in mind that it was published in 2010.
I must keep in mind that it was published in 2010.
Read
June 25, 2024Didn't read entire book, but is an interesting work.
Update: did read the entire book, makes me despise harper more than I did before!
Update: did read the entire book, makes me despise harper more than I did before!
May 25, 2011
As someone who follows politics and very much disagrees with Harper's ideologies and tactics, this book didn't offer me much new information. Martin did do a great job at presenting some behind the scenes information that any die hard political junkie, like myself, thoroughly enjoyed. At times I actually found myself understanding some of Harper's decisions but that quickly faded and my disgust and anger towards this man, his ideologies, his lack of respect for democracy and his employers (the Canadian public), quickly returned.
Martin did a great job at breaking down a lot of the strategies, tactics and bullying that the Harper Cons do in order to stay in power. The amount of control he exercises is frightening and I cannot believe that he just received a majority mandate.
That said, it was a really great book and I would recommend it to everyone. We should all be aware of what Harper will do over the next 4-5 yrs so that he can retain his control and power over Parliament, democracy, and as a result, us. This book should be required reading for anyone who wishes to vote in the next election. I hope in 3 yrs Martin adds a few chapters to this book, because I predict that there will be more abuses, cover ups and bullying to add.
Martin did a great job at breaking down a lot of the strategies, tactics and bullying that the Harper Cons do in order to stay in power. The amount of control he exercises is frightening and I cannot believe that he just received a majority mandate.
That said, it was a really great book and I would recommend it to everyone. We should all be aware of what Harper will do over the next 4-5 yrs so that he can retain his control and power over Parliament, democracy, and as a result, us. This book should be required reading for anyone who wishes to vote in the next election. I hope in 3 yrs Martin adds a few chapters to this book, because I predict that there will be more abuses, cover ups and bullying to add.
June 29, 2014
"Harperland" is a comprehensive chronicle of Harper's Conservatives' time in minority government. While Lawrence does an excellent job of charting all the Conservatives' noteworthy episodes in office, he didn't explore them as in depth as I expected him to. Instead, Lawrence seemed content to simplify matters into that of good and evil - the backward-minded Prairie boys having their vengeance on Liberal institutions. Indeed, while Harper may be an enigmatic (and, frankly, unsettling) figure, this book seemed to deliberately keep him at a distance.
That said, "Harperland" is still an excellent primer on the Harper Conservatives parliamentary record, and a well needed expose of their undemocratic practices.
That said, "Harperland" is still an excellent primer on the Harper Conservatives parliamentary record, and a well needed expose of their undemocratic practices.
March 6, 2015
A very unbiased facts-based account of Harper's actions during his first 4 years as Prime Minister of Canada. These actions can be interpreted by the reader as being positive or negative at their leisure. Which is the way books like this should be written.
Popular opinion said that there was "no way" he could get a majority government in 2011... Now they say there's no way Canadians can let him keep his power in 2015... He is smart and calculating, no action is too far, he is not to be underestimated again. I fear the worst may be yet to come, and I weep for my dear country.
One thing is for sure, I will be Voting - this an every year I am able. I only hope every Canadian eligible will make every attempt to vote also and make their voices heard as loud as ever.
Popular opinion said that there was "no way" he could get a majority government in 2011... Now they say there's no way Canadians can let him keep his power in 2015... He is smart and calculating, no action is too far, he is not to be underestimated again. I fear the worst may be yet to come, and I weep for my dear country.
One thing is for sure, I will be Voting - this an every year I am able. I only hope every Canadian eligible will make every attempt to vote also and make their voices heard as loud as ever.
April 15, 2015
A book on current politics can hardly get 5 stars, but this one is solid 4+. If you've been following news, not much will be new. What you get here is all those little pieces presented together in a coherent and at times scary whole. It is remarkable how much a capable and driven person, such as Harper, can change the political landscape of the entire country. There are also a few lessons on the Canadian parliamentary system and how easy is to subvert the democratic process. But then you look at the way the system has been ran pre-Harper and wonder what is worse - and there doesn't seem to be a clear loser.
October 7, 2013
In Harperland, Lawrence Martin takes a balanced and fair view of Stephen Harper's first four years in office. Through interviews with friends and colleagues, Martin paints a portrait of a man who is secretive, controlling, and also very shrewd and gifted with strong beliefs and a determination to make his vision of Canada a reality. Michael Puttonen does a great job of breathing life into the array of characters surrounding Stephen Harper and the conservative government. All Canadians should listen to (or read) this book!
May 26, 2011
A sad litany of the betrayal of promises and the cynical manipulation of power by the conservatives over the last decade. Attack ads and the control of information are the legacy of the new right in Canada. They have learned well from their american cousins. My greatest fear is that they actually represent the new political leanings of this generation of canadians. God help us all ( at leat that's what I would say if I actually thought there was a god).
October 5, 2011
Harperland was a well written accounting of Stephen Harper's political career.I learned some things I did not know and tried to remain aware that all tales can have multiple tellings.I thought the author presented a good background and explanation as to why things unfolded as they did.I am actually surprised to see this book in print.I guess there are still a few things that Mr Harper cannot control.
August 1, 2012
An important read for all Canadians. A well-researched and well-presented profile of a strict, disciplined, controlling leader who plays a lot of dirty politics, has been singularly focused on destroying the Liberal party and whose political leanings are far more right than many people may realise. Canadians should be paying much closer attention to the man driving this bus and just where he seems to be taking us.
August 25, 2016
Irrespective of whether you agree with Harper's social-conservative stance or not, this book demonstrates Harper's complete lack of regard for the Canadian public and the democratic process. When his closest advisers discuss how paranoid and vindictive he is and how he's surrounding himself with like-minded people in the PMO/PCO, it's very upsetting. I felt sick for most of this book. Sick and frightened for Canada.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews