Micro-biographies of important figures throughout Canadian political history.

People, Politics, and Purpose reflects on Canadian political history through a series of short biographies about a series of key figures—from prime ministers to lumberjacks to Indigenous leaders. Contributors combine rich descriptive detail with sensitivity to broader historical questions, demonstrating the persistent relevance of individual character alongside historical context. As a result, these portraits of individual people also offer critical reexaminations of Canadian political history. By illuminating the roles of historical actors, this lively collection offers insights into Canada’s place in the world and stimulates fresh thinking about political history.