
Big Worlds
Politics and Elections in the Canadian Provinces and Territories, Second Edition
University of Toronto Press
2nd Edition
Published on 14. April 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
372 pages
978-1-4875-6679-1 (ISBN)
Description
Big Worlds explores the political landscapes of Canada's provinces and territories. This second edition examines how and why Canadians govern themselves at the subnational level. While the story of national politics often dominates headlines, Big Worlds reminds us that each province and territory contains its own political universe shaped by distinct histories, cultures, and identities.
This book is organized around three key themes in each region: political culture, party system, and recent elections. Readers will discover why some Western Canadians have embraced populist movements, why Quebecers continue to debate the future of their nation within Canada, how democracy in Atlantic Canada has evolved, why Ontario appears to be in the midst of another Progressive Conservative dynasty, and how northern territories are reshaping ideas of self-government. Political scientists Jared J. Wesley and J.P. Lewis have updated the second edition of Big Worlds with the latest data from the Consortium on Electoral Democracy (C-Dem), including responses to COVID-19, the rise of new political movements, and landmark elections. This book also features thematic chapters on regionalism and leadership to highlight the broader patterns that connect (and divide) the country.
An essential look into the distinctive yet uniting factors governing policies, democracy, and people across Canadian landscapes, this book is a vital contribution to our understanding of the country's politics.
This book is organized around three key themes in each region: political culture, party system, and recent elections. Readers will discover why some Western Canadians have embraced populist movements, why Quebecers continue to debate the future of their nation within Canada, how democracy in Atlantic Canada has evolved, why Ontario appears to be in the midst of another Progressive Conservative dynasty, and how northern territories are reshaping ideas of self-government. Political scientists Jared J. Wesley and J.P. Lewis have updated the second edition of Big Worlds with the latest data from the Consortium on Electoral Democracy (C-Dem), including responses to COVID-19, the rise of new political movements, and landmark elections. This book also features thematic chapters on regionalism and leadership to highlight the broader patterns that connect (and divide) the country.
An essential look into the distinctive yet uniting factors governing policies, democracy, and people across Canadian landscapes, this book is a vital contribution to our understanding of the country's politics.
More details
Edition
Second Edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Toronto
Canada
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Edition type
New edition
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 228 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
739 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4875-6679-1 (9781487566791)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Jared J. Wesley is an associate dean of graduate studies, a professor of political science, and member of the Black Faculty Collective at the University of Alberta.
J.P. Lewis is chair of history and politics and a professor of political science at the University of New Brunswick Saint John.
J.P. Lewis is chair of history and politics and a professor of political science at the University of New Brunswick Saint John.
Content
Illustrations
Tables
Foreword
Part I: Provincial and Territorial Political Worlds
Introduction: Change and Continuity in Provincial/Territorial Politics
Chapter 2: British Columbia
Chapter 3: Alberta
Chapter 4: Saskatchewan
Chapter 5: Manitoba
Chapter 6: Ontario
Chapter 7: Quebec
Chapter 8: New Brunswick
Chapter 9: Nova Scotia
Chapter 10: Prince Edward Island
Chapter 11: Newfoundland & Labrador
Chapter 12: The Territories
Part II: Emerging Themes in Canada's Political Worlds
Chapter 13: Regionalism in Canada
Chapter 14: Provincial Leadership in the Canadian Public Eye
Conclusion: Comparing Provincial/Territorial Politics in an Unpredictable and Unstable World
Tables
Foreword
Part I: Provincial and Territorial Political Worlds
Introduction: Change and Continuity in Provincial/Territorial Politics
Chapter 2: British Columbia
Chapter 3: Alberta
Chapter 4: Saskatchewan
Chapter 5: Manitoba
Chapter 6: Ontario
Chapter 7: Quebec
Chapter 8: New Brunswick
Chapter 9: Nova Scotia
Chapter 10: Prince Edward Island
Chapter 11: Newfoundland & Labrador
Chapter 12: The Territories
Part II: Emerging Themes in Canada's Political Worlds
Chapter 13: Regionalism in Canada
Chapter 14: Provincial Leadership in the Canadian Public Eye
Conclusion: Comparing Provincial/Territorial Politics in an Unpredictable and Unstable World