Grassroots Politicians is the first systematic account of party activists at the provincial level in Canada. To understand the pattern of political polarization in British Columbia, the authors examine the values and beliefs of those at the party cores -- the people behind the party images who elect leaders, nominate candidates, and work in electoral campaigns. In the New Democratic Party they play a crucial role in determining policy, in the Social Credit they help to shape party direction and governing style by their choice of leader, and, among the Liberals, they form the small band that keeps the party alive in the province.

Donald E. Blake's profile page

R. Kenneth Carty's profile page

Lynda Erickson's profile page

Donald E. Blake is a professor and head of the Department of Political Science at the University of British Columbia and the author of Two Political Worlds: Parties and Voting in British Columbia (1985). R.K. Carty is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of British Columbia. He is the co-editor of National Politics and Community in Canada (1986). Lynda Erickson is an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science at Simon Fraser University.

This timely book convincingly demonstrates that party activists have shaped the contours of BC's distinctively oddball politics. And Grassroots Politicians provides a unique perspective from which to view the political battle lines that have so decisively shaped the province and that will help determine the outcome of the electoral warfare on the near horizon.

The Vancouver Sun

Grassroots Politicians is highly readable. And it is a book that provides terrific background for anyone who salivates at the prospect of following the intricate power plays so integral to the pageantry of a British Columbia election.

A first-class scholarly study, by three accomplished political scientists, of party activists and activism in British Columbia. The first effort of its kind, this work is based on surveys, personal interviews with the politicians themselves, direct observation, and soundly rooted background analysis.

Choice