Jody Wilson-Raybould writes about her journey from being courted into Justin Trudeau’s caucus and cabinet to being fired for not doing his unethical bidding.
My Summary and Thoughts
Before reading this book, I held the opinion that the Canadian government’s treatment of Indigenous peoples is the gravest moral failing in our nation’s history. From residential camps to broken treaties, our government has mistreated and abused the multi-cultured non-Europeans.
Jody Wilson-Raybould truly showed progress in our country by being appointed as the first Indigenous person to be Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. Still, I don’t believe she knew what she was getting herself into. The problem that Jody faced was she was not a partisan Liberal. This book clearly outlines the dangers in our current political system, beginning with partisanship and ending with the control of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Jody had not held any form of partisanship position before being ushered as the Liberal candidate for Vancouver Granville before the 2015 election. After winning her first election, she learned she had been appointed to cabinet. A Liberal outsider now held one of the most essential duties in the Canadian government. This is not usually how things operate. Typically, ministers have served as partisan members for many years, either as Members of Parliament or Parliamentary staff. Jody held a good resume regarding being elected for Indigenous governments, but nothing like a Liberal partisan MOJAG. Jody knew she had to advance the PMO’s primary objectives, such as the legalization of marijuana and the implementation of medical assistance in dying, but she didn’t know she had to break ethical norms with the SNC-Lavalin affair. When Jody refused, she was fired, and they found someone else to do the PMO’s bidding.
Although Jody Wilson-Raybould was fired from the cabinet and the Liberal caucus, she still won the 2019 Federal election for Vancouver Granville as an Independent. She was the first female in Canadian history to win as an independent. Her riding knew the PMO had mistreated her and knew she was the clear choice to be the voice for her riding.
Although I have some philosophical disagreements with Jody, she clearly served Canada well and had a truly independent mind. For that, I commend your service to our country.
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