In The Left in Power, Steven High gives a well-researched and objective account of the New Democratic Party’s 1990-95 government in Ontario, Canada, under Bob Rae. The victory of the Social Democratic NDP was a surprise to everyone and no more so than to the party itself and, as High makes clear, it showed. These were tumultuous years as the west was shifting to globalization and neoliberalism and, in an effort to cope, the NDP government abandoned many of their progressive ideas much to the dismay of their membership and allies in the labour movement. This is not to say they didn’t do some good especially in northern Ontario but their embrace of many neoliberal policies including austerity resulted in the abandonment of the party by many of its members and staunchest allies and, eventually, loss at the next election. In clear and concise language, High gives an in depth look at what the NDP accomplished and how and why it failed.

Thanks to Netgalley and Literary Press Group of Canada for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

A fair and balanced look at a tumultuous time in Canadian politics. High's work does much to capture the spirit of a government moving from crisis to crisis while findings itself somewhat unexpectedly holding the reins of power. Fascinating insight into why this administration is so infamously remembered, while other catastrophic governments of later years are remembered less harshly