Strength of Conviction - by Tom Mulcair (Paperback)

About the Book

The inside story of Thomas Mulcair's rise from modest beginnings to the threshold of power. Discover the man behind the headlines, who he is, how he thinks, and the struggles he faced -- from fighting sexual misconduct, to protecting our environment, to his work alongside Jack Layton leading the NDP to a historic breakthrough in Quebec.

Book Synopsis

Globe & Mail Non-Fiction Bestseller Toronto Star Non-Fiction Bestseller
The inside story of Tom Mulcair's rise from modest, middle-class beginnings to the threshold of power.

He has been called the strongest Opposition leader in the television era; he was also known in Québec as the provincial Opposition's "pit bull." Here, in his own words, and for the first time, is the inside story of Tom Mulcair's rise from modest, middle-class beginnings to the threshold of power. Discover the man behind the headlines: who he is, how he thinks, and how he comes by the values that shaped his character. Unwavering in his convictions, he shares behind-the-scenes information on the reasons why he resigned as Québec's minister of the environment under Charest; his decision to rejoin the New Democratic Party; and what it was like working closely with Jack Layton to help spearhead the "Orange Wave" that swept the NDP into power as the Official Opposition in the 2011 federal election. Alongside this, Mulcair also sheds light on such nation-defining events as past immigration and environmental policies, the Québec Referendum, Native residential schools and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the Harper government's Anti-Terrorism Act.

In this book, Mulcair reveals his vision for the country, and his position on the issues that matter most -- making Strength of Conviction an essential read for all Canadians with an interest in our nation's future.

Review Quotes

an amiable introduction to the man with the greatest potential to topple the Harper government this fall.-- "quillandquire.com"

by looking back at the road he has travelled, one sees that Mulcair's convictions are built on a solid foundation of people who showed him how one person can do make all the difference in the lives of many.-- "Policy magazine"

[Mulcair's auto] biography is a formidable asset.-- "globeandmail.com"

[Mulcair] writes simple prose, to charming effect.-- "Nationalpost.com"

A readable introduction to a man who has already had a considerable impact on our politics.-- "Thetyee.ca"

A very serviceable book introducing to the wider Canadian public our possible future prime minister in a very readable way.-- "Toronto Star"

Before voting in October's federal election, it might be wise to read Thomas Mulcair's Strength of Conviction.-- "Quill & Quire"

In drive, determination and sheer force of intellect, Stephen Harper has met his match.-- "Globe and Mail"

One walks away from the book feeling that Mulcair is a man with a keenly felt set of values, and a willingness, even a desire, to fight for what he believes to be right-- "National Post"

Strength of Conviction ranks among the best of its genre.-- "Literary Review of Canada"

Two things stand [out] about the first half of Mulcair's book. One is that it's completely authentic, an account not only of his formative years but of a vanished place and time ‒ English-Catholic Montreal in the middle of the 20th century. The other is that Mulcair obviously wrote it himself, because the voice is entirely his.-- "Ipolitics.ca"

Written in a warm, friendly, and very readable style that offers readers the opportunity to get to know the man who would be prime minister.-- "publishersweekly.com"

About the Author

Tom Mulcair was born in Ottawa and raised in Laval, Québec. After attending law school at McGill University, Tom chose a career in the civil service and later in politics. He has served in a number of prominent positions, including as Québec's environment minister. In 2012 Tom was elected leader of the NDP and leader of the Official Opposition.