An in-depth look at the political landscape of Saskatchewan from its leftist roots to its shift in recent years to the right of centre. One of the most underreported stories in Canadian politics has been the political and economic transformation of Saskatchewan. The province that was the birthplace of the CCF-NDP and democratic socialism in North America has, over the last fifty years, undergone fundamental change that has altered its identity. It is now seen as the bastion of the centre-right Saskatchewan Party, which has become one of the most dominant provincial political parties in Canada. The story of that transformation, in which the once powerful NDP has been relegated to the political margins, reaches far beyond the province itself and reflects national and global events that have shaped the province over the course of the last half century. Modern Saskatchewan politics have been less about ideology and more about the influence of issues and events since the late 1960s and the lure of populist leaders who speak to an identity rooted in the province's history. Consistent with Saskatchewan's history, From Left to Right presents a blend of populism, a deeply embedded spirit of independence and personal initiative, coupled with communitarian values and the constant search for a better future.
Dale Eisler is a former journalist, senior federal public service and currently Senior Policy Fellow at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. He is the author of False Expectations and Anton . He lives in Regina.
Acknowledgements Introduction Prologue A Before and After Moment Chapter 1 Onward Christian Soldiers Chapter 2 What's in an Era? Chapter 3 1969: "Why Should I Sell Your Wheat?" Chapter 4 1971: A New Deal Chapter 5 1974: A Federal Invasion Chapter 6 1975: A New Year's Eve Party Chapter 7 1976: The Politics of Identity Chapter 8 1978: Selling Furniture Chapter 9 1980: The Second Coming Chapter 10 1989: Waterloo? Chapter 11 1993: Pain and Suffering Chapter 12 1995: The Perils of Progress Chapter 13 1999: Coalition of the Willing Chapter 14 2007: Hope versus Fear Chapter 15 2010: The Audacity of Nope Chapter 16 2015: The Last Gasp Chapter 17 2016: Going Global Chapter 18 2016: Trudeau 2.0 Chapter 19 2018: The Project Chapter 20 2020: Homeland No More Epilogue 2021: Reckoning Appendix: General Election Results since 1971 Notes Selected Bibliography Index
"As a former journalist and daily columnist in Saskatchewan, Eisler . . . has written a very clear and important book. . . . It will gain a wide readership and spark a lot of debate." Ken Rasmussen, director of Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Regina "This book makes a serious advance to this field/area of interestit fills a critical whole in our knowledge of SK politics." James Farney , author of Social Conservatives and Conservative Party Politics in North America "Those who think Canada is 'progressive,' Alberta 'conservative' or Quebec 'left wing' just don't get it. Eisler has written a field manual for transformational politics that should be read anywhere insurgents struggle against entrenched and seemingly unassailable electoral machines." Brian Lee Crowley , Managing Director, Macdonald-Laurier Institute "Weaving together the interplay of regional, national, and global issues, Dale Eisler has produced an insightful and compelling analysis of Saskatchewan's transformation." The Right Honourable Paul Martin "Dale's career as a political journalist, followed by many years as a high ranking federal public servant, have provided him with tremendous insights. His experiences have placed him in a very unique position and allowed him to delve deeply into the key and underlying factors and events that have led to the recent transformations in Saskatchewan. Specifically, Dale shines a light on the economic and political scene, and, in particular, the dramatic -- almost seismic -- shift in political popularity from a socially progressive, left of center party, to one that espouses strongly held right wing values as individual rights and freedoms. Dale's book will be of interest to students of politics, young and old." Honourable Wayne G. Wouters P.C., O.C.
