With the electoral success of the Harper Conservatives federally and of a number of conservative parties provincially, the topic of Canadian conservatism is more important to our understanding of Canadian party politics than ever before. This timely volume presents the first comprehensive examination of Canadian conservatism in a generation – a period during which its nature has changed substantially.

Conservatism in Canada explores the ideological character of contemporary Canadian conservatism, its support in the electorate, its impact on public policies such as immigration and foreign policy, and its articulation at both federal and provincial levels. The essays include comparisons with other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, as well as specific examinations of conservatism in Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec.

Featuring contributions by both established and new scholars in the fields of political science and public policy, this volume makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the changing nature of Canadian conservatism and its broader implications for the future of this country.

James Farney is an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Regina. He is the author of Social Conservatives and Party Politics in Canada and the United States.

James Farney's profile page

David Rayside is a professor in the Department of Political Science and an associate of the Mark S. Bonham Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies at the University of Toronto. He is the author of  Queer Inclusions, Continental Divisions: Public Recognition of Sexual Diversity in Canada and the United States.

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‘This collection serves as an important purpose of showing just how wide and varied Canadian conservatism actually is…This book’s innovative mix of voices and outlooks should be read by anyone interested in understanding more about the distinctive aspects of Conservatism, conservatism and the pivotal developments that have occurred within Canada’s Right.’

Literary Review of Canada vol 22:03:2014