The Paradox of Parliament

"The Paradox of Parliament confronts the struggle Canadians face in both understanding and shaping the crucial roles played by the House of Commons and Senate as representatives and governors of our country. While studies of Canada’s institutions may seem quaint and somewhat nostalgic, how we confront current challenges in both domestic and global affairs depends crucially on our perception of Parliament’s capacity to lean into changing environments and expectations. In that regard, Jonathan Malloy gives students of Canadian parliament the kind of attention this topic needs."

Anna Esselment, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Waterloo

"Canadians have long waited for a comprehensive look at how their Parliament works. They need not wait any longer. Jonathan Malloy has brilliantly answered the call in The Paradox of Parliament. He maps out, from a historical and comparative perspective, the competing forces that shape the inner workings of Parliament. This timely book constitutes a major contribution to our understanding of Canadian democracy."

Donald J. Savoie, Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Public Administration and Governance, Université de Moncton

"Frustration. Disappointment. Indifference. Citizens and parliamentarians alike feel dissatisfied with Canada’s legislative institutions. The Paradox of Parliament shows that demands for diverse representatives have long collided with expectations of effective governance. Bravo to Jonathan Malloy on a compelling, provocative, and highly readable account of tensions at the heart of Canadian democracy."

Sylvia Bashevkin, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and Professor Emerita of Political Science, University of Toronto

"In exploring the tension between representation and governance at the heart of our Westminster parliamentary system, Jonathan Malloy provides an interesting historical overview of the evolution of Canada’s Parliament over the years. A welcome contribution to our knowledge of an often-misunderstood institution at the heart of Canada’s democracy: Parliament."

Michael Chong, Member of Parliament, Wellington-Halton Hills

"The Paradox of Parliament is richly written, and filled with anecdotes that will whet the intellectual appetite of parliamentary observers. With diplomatic aplomb, Malloy deftly weaves a commanding understanding of the history, debates, and harsh realities that characterize the Canadian Parliament."

Alex Marland, author of Whipped: Party Discipline in Canada