KAGAWONG—Two of Canada’s most prolific chroniclers of the life and times of political icons took to the Kagawong Park Centre stage for this year’s Speakers’ Night Series. Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Mike Mantha played a Johnny Carson role in a ‘Tonight Show’ style format as he interviewed Steve Paikin, host of TVO’s ‘The Agenda’ and author Arthur Milnes, confidant of Conservative prime ministers and former American president Jimmy Carter.
Both authors have new books and conducted book signings following their lecture presentations, Mr. Paikin’s being ‘John Turner: An Intimate Biography of Canada’s 17th Prime Minister’ and Mr. Milnes’ ‘98 Reasons to Thank Jimmy Carter.’
Mr. Mantha spoke on the concept of karma during his opening remarks, noting that he was wearing the same pink shirt that former Billings Mayor Austin Hunt had recommended. “He told me, ‘if you wear that shirt, you will be re-elected’,” he recalled. A prediction that came true. Mr. Mantha assured the audience that “I still have the fire in my belly, and I will be running in 2026.”
Following a short bio outlining his work as a journalist, writer and host of ‘The Agenda,’ Mr. Paikin was called to the stage where they spoke of Mr. Paikin’s previous works, including a biography of Ontario’s longest serving premier, Bill Davis. Mr. Paikin was effusive in his praise of Mr. Davis and his near-unrivalled run at the helm of Canada’s largest province (only topped by that of Oliver Mowat 107 years ago). “He did a hell of a job,” said Mr. Paikin of Mr. Davis, going on to assert that the Progressive Conservative premier would most certainly been elected for a fifth term, should he have chosen to run.
But it was former Canadian Prime Minister John Turner who was the main focus of the evening’s discussion by Mr. Paikin. In contrast to Mr. Davis, Mr. Turner holds the title of Canada’s second shortest serving prime minister. But Mr. Paikin noted that being prime minister was not really the pinnacle of Mr. Turner’s accomplishments in life, despite his prime ministerial tenure being “a disaster from the get go.”
Mr. Paikin’s book explores more of the man than the political career in his book, a fact illustrated by his insistence on using a photograph taken by Mr. Turner’s wife, rather than the be-suited image of him in front of the House that his publisher was insisting upon. Mr. Paikin won out in the end and is confident that was the right choice for this book.
Mr. Paikin’s stint as solo interviewee was filled with laughter and amusing antidotes, engaging the audience thoroughly.
Mr. Milnes was heard to remark, “what did I do in a former life to have to follow Steve Paikin?” but in truth proved to be just as engaging as his colleague onstage.
Mr. Milnes spoke of his time as a speech writer for former Prime Minister Stephen Harper and as a research assistant working on former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney’s memoirs (where he was given unrestricted access to Mr. Mulroney’s papers).
But it was his unlikely friendship and connections with former US President Jimmy Carter that was the main focus of his talk during the evening.
Mr. Mantha queried Mr. Milnes on the seeming dichotomy of his subject matters, placing the Canadian prime minister on the right and Mr. Carter on the left—Mr. Milnes gently challenged Mr. Mantha’s characterization of Mr. Carter as being on the right-hand side of the political spectrum, but let the matter drop without further elaboration.
But that did set a tone for a good portion of the evening’s discussion on the current state of political discourse and activity in both the US and Canada.
“A pox on all their houses,” quipped Mr. Milnes, describing his current stance as being politically agnostic—a position largely shared by Mr. Paikin. Both decried the descent of political debate into the realm of personal attacks rather than civil discourse and reasoned evaluation of policy options. Both gave examples of previous political actors having close personal friends on the other side of the aisle, a situation that seems far rarer in today’s political maelstrom.
Mr. Mantha, first elected as an NDP MPP but who now sits as an independent, assured the audience that there is much more collaboration taking place. He noted that on three occasions he has approached Premier Doug Ford from across the floor of the legislature seeking assistance with an issue in his riding and received a positive interaction with the Progressive Conservative premier.
In poignant conclusion to the night’s festivities, members of the Island Singers made a “surprise” appearance to sing a rendition of the late Gordon Lightfoot’s song ‘Sundown.’ Mr. Paikin had earlier given a humorous account of having bid an enormous amount at a charity auction (to his wife’s huge dismay) for a dinner for eight that included a private concert with Mr. Lightfoot.
By any estimation, this year’s edition of the Kagawong Lecture Series was a resounding success, bringing the sometimes-mind-numbing subject of politics to the audience with humorous and engaging presentations by all involved. The Expositor is proud to have sponsored this event.
History Day in Kagawong is coming up fast (August 10 with a matinee and evening edition) and will undoubtedly maintain the high standards set by Kagawong educational presentations.
