New Left in Canadian Politics

Domination by – and distinction from – the United States is a recurrent concern for Canadians. In the tumultuous 1960s, this theme found political expression in the Waffle movement. Working through the New Democratic Party, Waffle members advocated for a sovereign, socialist Canada that was to be achieved not through protest alone but also through electoral politics. The New Left in Canadian Politics investigates this important chapter in the history of the Canadian left. Bursting onto the scene in 1969, the Waffle challenged the NDP to pursue leftist nationalism by promoting socialist measures to combat American economic might and ensure Canadian independence. However, party leaders and allied trade unions were reluctant to adopt a radical approach, and by 1975 the Waffle had faded as a political force. Nonetheless, as this compelling history of the Waffle's successes and failures shows, the movement influenced Canadian politics during its short lifespan and beyond.