Nova Scotia Politics 1945-2020 From Macdonald to MacNeil

Who has held political power in Nova Scotia? How did they get it? And what did they do with it? In his latest book, best-selling author and former cabinet minister Graham Steele takes us on a roller-coaster ride through seventy-five years of Nova Scotia politics from 1945 to 2020.

The story ranges from Angus L. Macdonald, who won a crushing election victory in 1945 after a bitter falling-out with prime minister Mackenzie King, to Stephen McNeil, who provoked the first-ever teachers’ strike yet won the first back-to-back majorities in thirty years. It covers premiers from the calm intellectual Robert Stanfield, to the acerbic outsider Donald Cameron, to the aloof reformer John Savage, and highlights trailblazers like Gladys Porter, Wayne Adams, and Donald Marshall Jr.

Nova Scotia politics has seen an almost unnatural focus on jobs, roads, and corruption. Steele doesn’t shy away from the controversial parts of our political history: the trial of Gerald Regan for sexual crimes; the political pressure that led to the opening of the ill-starred Westray mine; and the environmental racism that pumped effluent into Boat Harbour for fifty years.

This is a book for anyone interested in modern Nova Scotia history or politics. It’s for the avid politics-watcher, of course, but also for the new voter, the newcomer, the new parent, the newly retired—anyone who wants some historical depth by which to understand today’s politics.

Steele pulls together the threads of history, adding original stories and archival research to the existing rich vein of historical writing, and then applies his own political experience to find the through lines that tie together past, present, and future.

Find a copy.

Add it to your TBR.

Join the Conversation Today...

WRITE A REVIEW

average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, book lovers sharing their thoughts

100% would recommend

Thanks for submitting a review! 😘

Violet

Location:

average rating is 4 out of 5

Time Published

Into the Current

Into the Current by Jared Young is an emotional and thought-provoking novel about a young man named Daniel Solomon who is forced to reflect on his life after a plane accident leaves him suspended between life and death. As Daniel revisits important memories, he begins to understand how his choices have shaped who he is. The novel explores themes such as regret, personal growth, and the importance of making the most of the time we have.

This book changed the way I view the value of life and reminded me that every choice can have a lasting impact. As summer is approaching, it has encouraged me to focus on improving myself, appreciating the people around me, and making better use of the time I have. Overall, Into the Current is a meaningful and well-written novel that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys reflective stories with important life lessons.

I recommend this book.

Jorja Walker

Location:

Dartmouth NS

average rating is 3 out of 5

Time Published

Jacob’s Dilemma

I recommend this book.

Julia

Location:

average rating is 4 out of 5

Time Published

Great nonfic

Book: The Teen Sex Trade
By Jade H. Brooks

The Teen Sex Trade is a nonfiction novel about the authors story within the teen sex trade. It follows Jade through her childhood and teens to tell a rich and engaging story about escaping and building a better life for her adult self.

Even though I don’t usually read biographies , I really liked this book. I however found this book to be hard to read due to some of the content discussed during the book.

My favourite part of this book was learning about Jade’s childhood and grasping the unfolding history of her life.

I rate it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars

I recommend this book.

Jorja Walker

Location:

Dartmouth NS

average rating is 3 out of 5

Time Published

Jacob’s Landing

I recommend this book.

Violet

Location:

average rating is 3 out of 5

Time Published

Nova Scotia Politics 1945-2020: From Macdonald to MacNeil

"Nova Scotia Politics 1945-2020: From Macdonald to MacNeil" by Graham Steele is an engaging overview of Nova Scotia’s political history from 1945 to 2020. Steele combines historical facts with his own experience as a former politician, making the book both informative and personal. He explains important political events, leaders, and issues in a clear and easy-to-understand style, which keeps the reader interested even if they are not very familiar with politics.

One of the book’s strengths is its balanced perspective. Steele discusses both the successes and failures of different governments while showing how politics affected everyday people in Nova Scotia. The book also highlights important topics such as economic development and environmental controversies.

Although some sections may feel detailed for readers who are not interested in politics, the book is overall insightful and well written. It is a valuable read for anyone wanting to learn more about Nova Scotia’s history and government.

I recommend this book.