The authoritative biography of Stephen Harper, to be published on the eve of the next election.
As one of the important prime ministers in the life of our nation, Stephen Harper has reshaped Canada into a more conservative country, a transformation that his opponents tacitly admit will never be reversed. He has made government smaller, justice tougher, and provinces more independent, whether they want to be or not. Under its 22nd prime minister, Canada shows the world a plainer, harder face. Those who praise Harper point to the Conservatives' skillful economic management, the impressive new trade agreements, the tax cuts and the balanced budget, the reformed immigration system, the uncompromising defence of Israel and Ukraine, and the fight against terrorism. Critics—pointing to punitive punishments, muzzled scientists, assaults on the judiciary, and contempt for parliament—accuse the Harper government of being autocratic, secretive and cruel.

But what about the man? In this definitive new biography, the Globe and Mail's John Ibbitson explores the life of the most important Canadian of our times—his suburban youth, the crisis that caused Stephen Harper to quit university for three years, the forces that shaped his tempestuous relationship with Reform Leader Preston Manning, how Laureen Harper influences her husband, his devotion to his children—and his cats. Ibbitson explains how this shy, closed, introverted loner united a fractured conservative movement, defeated a Liberal hegemony, and set out to reshape the nation. With unparalleled access to sources, years of research and writing, and a depth of insight that has made him one of the most respected voices in journalism, John Ibbitson presents an intimate, detailed portrait of a man who has remained an enigma to supporters and enemies alike. Now that enigma is revealed, in a masterful exploration of Stephen Harper, the politician and the man.

Darrell Bricker is the CEO of Ipsos Global Public Affairs. Prior to joining Ipsos Reid, Bricker was director of public-opinion research in the office of the prime minister. He holds a Ph.D. in political science from Carleton University and is the co-author (with Edward Greenspon) of Searching for Certainty: Inside the New Canadian Mindset. He is the co-author, with John Wright, of What Canadians Think About Almost Everything. Follow Darrell on Twitter @darrellbricker.

John Ibbitson's profile page

• Long-listed, British Columbia's National Award for Canadian Non-Fiction
• Winner, Shaughnessy Cohen Award for Political Writing

A GLOBE AND MAIL BEST BOOK
WINNER OF THE SHAUGHNESSY COHEN PRIZE FOR POLITICAL WRITING
FINALIST FOR THE BC NATIONAL AWARD FOR CANADIAN NON-FICTION

“The most comprehensive biography of the prime minister to date is hard to put down. . . . This rigorous work is not a sensationalist book written on the fly. . . . Ibbitson also serves his readers well with a non-partisan exploration of policy positions on matters including federal-provincial relations, economic management, immigration and foreign policy. Ibbitson makes a thoroughly convincing case for Harper’s historical relevance. . . . This is an outstanding contribution to understanding Stephen Harper and Canadian politics.”
—Toronto Star

“Whether you admire Stephen Harper or not, John Ibbitson’s biography . . . is a fascinating read.”
—The Epoch Times

“With impressive access and meticulous research, John Ibbitson writes a remarkable biography that puts us inside Harper’s head during some of the most critical moments of his life, providing the definitive picture to date of one of the most significant Prime Ministers in Canadian history. . . . Harper is captured magnificently in this gripping read for all Canadians.”
—Jury citation, Shaunessey Cohen Prize for Political Writing

“John Ibbitson’s masterful new biography details a man who ‘can’t stand having anyone tell me what to do,’ a man with an absolute conviction he is right and others are wrong (subject to quiet revision if he changes his mind).”
—National Post

“For those tired of the ritual denunciations of Harper and his bullying, his deep authoritarian streak, the way he throws even long-standing friends and supporters under the bus, Ibbitson has given us some insight into the character of Stephen Harper and the party and government he has built over 30 years in politics. . . . Ibbitson is not afraid to point out where Harper has gone astray, particularly in his browbeating of Parliament and his fight with the Chief Justice of Canada.”
—Globe and Mail

“Stephen Harper gets his rightful due. . . . Assesses Harper and his time in office in a measured, thoughtful way which puts paid to some current outcroppings of anti-Harper hysteria. The book is, therefore, not only informative and well written, but a refreshing change. . . . Well researched and polished, a remarkably good read and a treat for the politically inclined.”
—London Free Press

“John Ibbitson’s new book, Stephen Harper, could end up being the most impressive examination of this multifaceted prime minister. Mr. Ibbitson is an author and writer-at-large for The Globe and Mail. He’s an intelligent, talented columnist with an admirable penchant for fiscal conservatism. While he praises the balance of Mr. Harper’s tenure in office, he isn’t blindly partisan. Some controversial Tory policies on politics, economics and constitutional matters are laid bare for all to see.”
—The Washington Times

“Whether you love Harper or can’t abide him, the completeness of this biography provides insight not only into the formation of the leader he has become, but in a relatively even handed way. At the conclusion, Ibbitson reveals that he believes that, overall, Harper has done a creditable job leading the country, but this does not prevent him from investigating Harper’s weaknesses and poor judgment in many areas: his legendary temper, his suspiciousness, his jettisoning of those who are no longer useful to him, his poor judgment of character in his appointees, his inability to work as part of a team, his holding of grudges.”
—The Millstone

“It’s all in here and more. Ibbitson has cast a reasonably balanced and critical eye on both the man and the politician and confirms what many of us know already—that Harper is book-smart, a policy wonk, loves cats, is obsessed with hockey statistics and that his father had a strong influence on him.”
—TheRecord.com