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An overview of successive Canadian governments, from Confederation to the present, placed in the historical context of electoral politics.
Dynasties and Interludes provides a comprehensive and unique overview of elections and voting in Canada from Confederation to the most recent federal elections. Its principal argument is that the Canadian political landscape has consisted of substantial periods of governance by one political party and/or leader (dynasties), often punctuated by short, sharp disruptions brought about by the sudden rise of new parties, leaders, or social movements (interludes).
This revised and updated third edition includes analyses of elections during the Harper era (2006, 2008, 2011) and that of Justin Trudeau (2015, 2019, 2021), as well as an analysis of the dramatic 2025 election and its implications for the future of Canadian politics under the minority government of Mark Carney.
Dynasties and Interludes provides a comprehensive and unique overview of elections and voting in Canada from Confederation to the most recent federal elections. Its principal argument is that the Canadian political landscape has consisted of substantial periods of governance by one political party and/or leader (dynasties), often punctuated by short, sharp disruptions brought about by the sudden rise of new parties, leaders, or social movements (interludes).
This revised and updated third edition includes analyses of elections during the Harper era (2006, 2008, 2011) and that of Justin Trudeau (2015, 2019, 2021), as well as an analysis of the dramatic 2025 election and its implications for the future of Canadian politics under the minority government of Mark Carney.
Price: $35.00
Pages: 568
Publisher: Dundurn Press
Imprint: Dundurn Press
Publication Date:
25 August 2026
Trim Size: 9.00 X 6.00 in
ISBN: 9781459756717
Format: Paperback
BISACs:
POLITICAL SCIENCE / Political Process / Campaigns & Elections, Elections and referenda / suffrage, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Political Ideologies / Democracy, POLITICAL SCIENCE / World / Canadian, Political structures / systems: democracy
Some Canadian political books, like governments, are around for an interlude. But every now and then, one comes along with enduring, long-term value. Dynasties and Interludes has assumed a permanent place on my desk.
Dynasties and Interludes provides an account of federal elections in Canada that is both comprehensive and analytical. It is a must-read for all who are interested in the changing patterns of politics in Canada.
Dynasties and Interludes provides an account of federal elections in Canada that is both comprehensive and analytical. It is a must-read for all who are interested in the changing patterns of politics in Canada.
Lawrence LeDuc is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Toronto and is the co-author of Absent Mandate and Political Choice in Canada. He lives in Toronto.
Jon H. Pammett is Distinguished Research Professor of Political Science at Carleton University and is co-editor of several studies of Canadian elections. He lives in Ottawa.
Jon H. Pammett is Distinguished Research Professor of Political Science at Carleton University and is co-editor of several studies of Canadian elections. He lives in Ottawa.
- List of Figures
- List of Tables
- Preface
- 1 Continuity and Change in Federal Elections
- 2 The Macdonald and Laurier Dynasties
- 3 A New Liberal Dynasty: The Mackenzie King Era
- 4 The Diefenbaker Interlude
- 5 Forging New Structures of Competition
- 6 Trudeaumania
- 7 Stumbling into a Dynasty: 1972–74
- 8 The Clark Interlude and the Return of the Liberals
- 9 The End of the Trudeau Dynasty and the Mulroney Landslide
- 10 The Free Trade Election of 1988
- 11 The Progressive Conservative Cataclysm of 1993
- 12 The Chrétien/Martin Dynasty
- 13 The Rise and Fall of the Harper Dynasty
- 14 The Liberals Return: Justin Trudeau to Mark Carney
- 15 Patterns of Dynasties and Interludes
- Bibliography
- Index