Patrice Dutil: Prime Ministerial Power in Canada

Authors/Heritage Series:

Patrice Dutil: “Prime Ministerial Power in Canada – Its Origins under Macdonald, Laurier, and Borden”

If Sir John A. Macdonald, Wilfrid Laurier, and Robert Borden were to walk into the PMO today, would they recognize it? Certainly, argues author Patrice Dutil, as these three prime ministers shaped the power, instincts, and habits of the office that continue to this very day.  

Dutil counters the prevailing view that prime ministerial power has become too concentrated since the 1970s, demonstrating that the centralization of power began right after Confederation.  The book launch and discussion will focus on the managerial — as opposed to political — philosophies of Canada’s first three important prime ministers, and how power was exercised and applied.  

While exploring the origins of prime ministerial power, Dutil will also survey the modern criticisms levelled at the institution.  

Thursday, November 21^st, 2019
Reception: 11:30 am | Lunch: 12:00pm

RSVP Required: reservations@albanyclub.ca or 416-364-5471