Right Here, Right Now

2018, Stephen Harper

I tried to read this book a few years ago when it was first released but If I’m honest it kept putting me to sleep.

Perhaps my interest in the subject matter has grown considerably due to the current political chaos in Canada because when I tried it again at the end of 2024 I couldn’t put it down.

Harper preaches balance with a (lower case c) conservative approach to policy. He explores the distinct challenges wealthy nations face while examining his governments record on key topics such as economy, immigration and fair trade. Harper stresses a duty to measure policy outcomes with their impact to the average Canadian.

Favouring empirical monitoring and refinement over sweeping ideological driven reforms he levels a warning about radicalization on both sides of the political spectrum that seems eerily poignant today. Refreshingly he includes strategy aimed at diminishing the populist drift to political extremes.