As regular readers know, we're kicking off our exit interview project with former MPs who left public life after either the 38th or 39th Parliaments (to translate: between 2004 and 2008). In the process of developing this work we've spent a lot of time understanding what we know and don't know about political leadership in Canada.
The short answer is, unsurprisingly, that we don't all that much. As many journalists have lamented, circumstances haven't always conspired to make our politics an enticing topic, but given the importance of our public institutions to the quality of life we all live, it's worth giving political leadership periodic thought. From time to time, we'll help by sharing some of what we're learning along the way.
Starting... now!
One of the biggest surprises we had is how little research into elected officials exists, at least in published form. Our project, for example, is one of the only times someone has systematically talked to MPs about their experiences in public life. "Exit interviews" are standard in most organizations; however, in Parliament, what should be one of the most important workplaces in the country, they don't happen.
Do not despair, however. There are options if you want to learn a bit more about life as an MP. Journalists' profiles, while often more one-off or focused on higher profile MPs, are one place. Here we'd particularly recommend Steve Paikin's books The Life and The Dark Side that look at the highs and lows of political life.
Once in awhile, MPs themselves will open the kimono. A must read is Barry Campbell's series for The Walrus. It's honest and very funny. In part one, he runs for office. In part two, he takes up life as a backbencher MP. In part three, he departs. He also shares some of his favourite campaign memorabilia, including a letter where he's made to return the $87.50 he'd been overpaid for his role as Parliamentary Secretary.
For the historians among us, in the 1970s and 1980s, the Library of Parliament conducted interviews with MPs (the material is available for a fee from the Archives). And for the political scientists among us, David Docherty's survey research into MPs from the 34th and 35th Parliaments (to translate: 1988-1997) is an important reminder of the influential, and sometimes constraining, role our political institutions play.
Any other suggestions? Please add them to the comments section, or contact us directly.