The most dynamic overview of the institutions of Canadian government with compelling coverage of issues woven throughout.

This contemporary and accessible introduction to Canadian politics provides a fresh perspective on the institutions and issues at the heart of our political system. This text provides in-depth coverage of essential topics-from federalism, regionalism, and diversity of the party system, to media and political communication, and elections-while inviting students to debate and discuss the effectiveness of government mechanisms in the daily lives of Canadians.

Alex Marland (Political Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland) was a public servant in the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador from 2003 to 2006. He coedited First among Unequals: The Premier, Politics, and Policy in Newfoundland and Labrador and coauthored the textbook Inside Canadian Politics. His book Brand Command: Canadian Politics and Democracy in the Age of Message Control won the Donner Prize for best public policy book by a Canadian and the Atlantic Book Award for scholarly writing.

Alex Marland's profile page

Jared J. Wesley is associate dean of graduate studies and a professor of political science at the University of Alberta.

Jared J. Wesley's profile page

"Of all the textbooks I've come across, this is my favourite. It is comprehensive and in-depth and offers students a way to put what they learn in a practical context through the use of 'debates' structured in a way to facilitate intelligent and reasoned discussions. It's an excellent text." --Marcella Firmini, Dalhousie University

"This is a comprehensive, well-written, and engaging text that nicely blends an understanding of political dynamics with a strong foundation in the institutional/constitutional order in the country. It presents complex issues in a compelling and thought-provoking manner that encourages students to investigate further and gives them some tools to do so." --Tom McIntosh, University of Regina