Real House Lives

Bringing together our second volume of MP exit interview reports, Real House Lives uses the stories and experiences of former parliamentarians to understand what’s going wrong with our national politics, and to put forward a vision of democratic representation that is independent, thoughtful, engaged, and empowered. It follows MPs through their lives and work, exploring how this vision of political leadership can be realized through a stronger Parliament, better local democratic engagement, and healthier political parties.

The highly-anticipated sequel to Tragedy in the Commons, this book is for anyone who has ever imagined offering their career and life to public service. It’s a how-to guide, an inspirational account, and perhaps a warning.

“We’re not just in a sort of post-truth politics, but we’re in a post-democratic politics.”

– Former Member of Parliament

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Democracy’s future has become uncertain. Politicians are viewed with deep cynicism. Political parties have lost touch with mass society. Citizens’ expectations of what their democracy should do have outstripped what their institutions can provide. All of this is feeding a wave of polarization, populism, and anxiety around the world, with Canadians much more likely to say their democracy is becoming weaker rather than stronger.

Written by researchers at the Samara Centre for Democracy, Real House Lives uses the stories and experiences of former parliamentarians to understand what’s going wrong with our national politics, and to put forward a vision of democratic representation that is independent, thoughtful, engaged, and empowered. It follows MPs through their lives and work, exploring how this vision of political leadership can be realized through a stronger Parliament, better local democratic engagement, and healthier parties. This may be an ambitious view, but Canadian democracy requires ambition, especially in a public climate of increasing partisanship, cynicism, and distrust.

The highly-anticipated sequel to the Samara Centre's #1 bestseller Tragedy in the Commons, this book is for anyone who has ever imagined offering their career and life to public service. It’s a how-to guide, an inspirational account, and perhaps a warning.

Bringing together our second volume of MP exit interview reports, Real House Lives features a brand new foreword, introduction, and conclusion.

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