Politicians, legislatures and parliament are widely mistrusted. Canadians do not see their issues and concerns reflected in the priorities of the people elected to serve them. The rise of populism is one symptom of discontent. Others are low voter turnouts and an increasingly vicious public sphere. It is time for Canadians to repair and strengthen their democracy. It is time to Do Something!

In this riveting and inspirational book, author and parliamentarian Preston Manning calls on Canadians of all beliefs and allegiances to renew their nation’s democracy and the ideas, processes, and institutions that support it. Drawing on a lifetime of public service, he offers 365 practical ways that people can get involved and make a difference, in their communities and on the national stage.

“There is an old saying,” writes Manning, “that a Canadian optimist is someone who believes things could be worse. But I am an optimist who believes the future can be better if enough of us resolve to make it so.”

Ernest Preston Manning PC CC AOE (born June 10, 1942) is a Canadian retired politician. He was the founder and the only leader of the Reform Party of Canada. A Canadian federal political party that evolved into the Canadian Alliance 2000, which in turn merged with the Progressive Conservative Party to form the Conservative Party of Canada. in 2003. Manning represented the federal constituency of Calgary Southwest in the House of Commons from 1993 until his retirement in 2002. He served as leader of the Official Opposition from 1997 to 2000.

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