The Crisis of Canadian Democracy episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 13, 2026 · 33 MIN

The Crisis of Canadian Democracy

from Witness to Yesterday (The Champlain Society Podcast on Canadian History) · host The Champlain Society

James Stewart (J.D.M.) speaks with Andrew Coyne about his book, The Crisis of Canadian Democracy. With characteristic wit, insight, and rigor, Coyne dismantles the comforting myths Canadians tell themselves about their political system, revealing a parliamentary structure eroded by unaccountable leaders, disempowered MPs, manipulated elections, and systemic dysfunction. The Crisis of Canadian Democracy is both a wake-up call and a call to action, offering compelling solutions to restore genuine self-government to Canadian politics. Essential reading for leaders, citizens, and anyone who cares about the future of democracy in Canada—or anywhere else. Andrew Coyne is a columnist for The Globe and Mail. Raised in Winnipeg, Mr. Coyne holds degrees from the University of Toronto and the London School of Economics‎. He was written previously for The National Post, Maclean’s and Southam News, contributing as well to a wide range of other publications in Canada and abroad, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The National Review, and The Walrus. He is also a weekly panelist on CBC’s The National. Image Credit: Sutherland House If you like our work, please consider supporting it: bit.ly/support_WTY. Your support contributes to the Champlain Society’s mission of opening new windows to directly explore and experience Canada’s past.

James Stewart (J.D.M.) speaks with Andrew Coyne about his book, The Crisis of Canadian Democracy. With characteristic wit, insight, and rigor, Coyne dismantles the comforting myths Canadians tell themselves about their political system, revealing a parliamentary structure eroded by unaccountable leaders, disempowered MPs, manipulated elections, and systemic dysfunction. The Crisis of Canadian Democracy is both a wake-up call and a call to action, offering compelling solutions to restore genuine self-government to Canadian politics. Essential reading for leaders, citizens, and anyone who cares about the future of democracy in Canada—or anywhere else. Andrew Coyne is a columnist for The Globe and Mail. Raised in Winnipeg, Mr. Coyne holds degrees from the University of Toronto and the London School of Economics‎. He was written previously for The National Post, Maclean’s and Southam News, contributing as well to a wide range of other publications in Canada and abroad, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The National Review, and The Walrus. He is also a weekly panelist on CBC’s The National. Image Credit: Sutherland House If you like our work, please consider supporting it: bit.ly/support_WTY. Your support contributes to the Champlain Society’s mission of opening new windows to directly explore and experience Canada’s past.

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The Crisis of Canadian Democracy

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This episode is 33 minutes long.

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This episode was published on March 13, 2026.

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James Stewart (J.D.M.) speaks with Andrew Coyne about his book, The Crisis of Canadian Democracy. With characteristic wit, insight, and rigor, Coyne dismantles the comforting myths Canadians tell themselves about their political system, revealing...

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