National Network for Equitable Library Service

Offers a first-hand view of the inner workings of the Canadian federal government, with a particular focus on the interplay between the Prime Minister's Office, the Privy Council Office, the federal cabinet, and the role of backbench MPs and parliamentary committees. Brodie argues that this interplay puts a lie to the proposition that the prime minister has evolved into the role of a dictator of sorts, with unchecked control over the levers of political power. He offers a much-needed corrective to the dominant thinking that a Canadian prime minister holds power without limits, approaching unchecked domination over party, caucus, cabinet, Parliament, the public service, and the policy agenda. In Brodie's view, there are effective checks on executive power, and the golden age of Parliament and the backbencher is probably now. 2018.