For more than 30 years, Canadian Politics: Critical Approaches has presented the reality of Canadian government and politics in a comprehensive yet lean and readable manner. It provides the tools and foundational knowledge to help students become better informed, more involved, and more critical citizens. Students will be deeply engaged in the clash of interests from which Canadian political activity has stemmed and will be equally fascinated by topics related to political culture, the mass media, public opinion, elections, and advocacy groups that will introduce them to the vibrant and dynamic world of Canadian politics. Change in recent years both from within Canada and outside its borders challenges some of the foundational assumptions of modern liberal democracy. The new ninth edition emphasizes two themes: the relative stability of Canada’s political institutions in the face of rapidly changing social, economic, and international environments, and the political decisions that are necessary to guarantee the perseverance of Canada’s values, country, and system of government.

Preface About the Authors Part One: Introduction Chapter 1: Approaching the Study of Politics Chapter 2: Institutional Foundations and the Evolution of the State Part Two: The Societal Context: Cleavages and Identities Chapter 3: Regionalism Chapter 4: Indigenous Peoples Chapter 5: French Canada and Quebec Question Chapter 6: Immigration and Diversity Chapter 7: Gender Chapter 8: Political Economy Chapter 9: Canada’s External Environment: The United States and the World Part Three: Linking People to Government Chapter 10: The Canadian Political Culture Chapter 11: Political Socialization, the Mass Media, and Public Opinion Polls Chapter 12: Elections and the Electoral System Chapter 13: Political Parties and the Party System Chapter 14: The Election Campaign, Voting, and Political Participation Chapter 15: Advocacy Groups, Social Movements, and Lobbying Part Four: The Constitutional Context Chapter 16: The Canadian Constitution and Constitutional Change Chapter 17: The Federal System Chapter 18: The Charter of Rights and Freedoms Part Five: Governing Chapter 19: The Executive: Crown, Prime Minister, and Cabinet Chapter 20: The Bureaucracy Chapter 21: Parliament Chapter 22: The Judiciary Appendix A: Constitution Act, 1867 (excerpts) Appendix B: Constitution Act, 1982, Schedule B Glossary Index