Hell or High Water: My Life In and Out of Politics

Ashley Thomson is a full librarian at Laurentian University and co-editor or co-author of nine books, most recently Margaret Atwood: A Reference Guide, 1988-2005.

Most Canadians of a certain age are aware of the general contours of Paul Martin’s life. Born the son of Paul Martin Sr., a distinguished public servant, Martin Jr. obtained his law degree in Toronto, moved to Montreal, and became a wealthy businessman. In 1990 Martin ran against Jean Chrétien for the leadership of the Liberal Party—a bit of a gutsy move since he had only been in Parliament since 1988. His failure to beat Chrétien did not preclude his joining his cabinet as Minister of Finance in 1993, but it signalled the beginning of a rivalry that ended with Martin succeeding Chrétien as PM in December 2003. As minister, many Canadians view Martin as one of the most accomplished ever because he managed not only to slay annual deficits “come hell or high water,” but also, when surpluses starting appearing, to use them to lower taxes and to support various improvements in Canada’s social system. As prime minister Martin seemed all over the map, with practically every problem deemed “a priority” to solve, and it was this lack of focus, combined with scandals left over from the Chrétien regime, that terminated his career in three years.

Since this book was published so shortly after Martin was defeated as prime minister, one might expect it to be bitter. In fact, is remarkably balanced— not only in his treatment of Chrétien but more broadly of his accomplishments balanced against his own weaknesses. As prime minister, “I wanted to do too much, too quickly, for the bureaucracy to absorb, and I did not always communicate my objectives to the public as clearly as I saw them myself.” Exactly.

Those of a Conservative persuasion will probably steer clear of this book, especially if they want to avoid Martin’s reaction to what Stephen Harper did to some of his pet projects, but most will enjoy the book because it is remarkably well written—and surprisingly funny. Martin emerges as a man of great integrity, and it is fortunate for this country that after his defeat he has continued to pursue his passions for improving the lives of Canada’s Aboriginals and the population of Africa.