In Memoriam - Publisher Mel Hurtig

[jbg]

Publisher Mel Hurtig, an intense nationalist and occasional politician, dead at 84.

I had not been aware of him but I was a regular readier of the online Canadian Encyclopedia. The encyclopedia was a useful resource in my education about Canada. I am sure he will be missed, despite his apparent lack of success in his political dabblings. He seems like an interesting and unique fellow.

Edited August 15, 2016 by jbg

[Pateris]

I won't miss Mel. His creation of the Council of Canadians was nothing more than nationalist, socialist commune where those who didn't understand economics ranted and raved about the evils of America and business people.

[jbg]

I won't miss Mel. His creation of the Council of Canadians was nothing more than nationalist, socialist commune where those who didn't understand economics ranted and raved about the evils of America and business people.

I didn't know that. Thanks for educating me further on Canadiana.

[bush_cheney2004]

I have one of Mel Hurtig's books, The Vanishing Country - Is It Too Late To Save Canada ? (2002) Is is quite the read, but blames Canadians more than aggressive Americans for the "tragic sellout of Canada". It is a well written, comprehensive anti-Americanization rant about the economic, social, and political dominance of Canada by the United States. Recommended !

Edited August 4, 2016 by bush_cheney2004

[Pateris]

That was his problem. Anti-americanization. He had a nearly fictional view of what Canada was and where we came from. He fully bought into the post-war socialism of Tommy Douglas, Lester Pearson, Pierre Trudeau and others. He and Maude Barlow first became voices in the political scene after Mulroney was elected, because they couldn't stand the idea of the free market.

[jacee]

I won't miss Mel. His creation of the Council of Canadians was nothing more than nationalist, socialist commune where those who didn't understand economics ranted and raved about the evils of America and business people.

The Council of Canadians has more members than all political parties combined, and regularly exposes the predatory control of the economy by rich corporacrats.

No, they didn't like Mel.

[bush_cheney2004]

I found Mel Hurtig to be more readable than Maude Barlow (e.g. Too Close For Comfort (2005)...I have a signed copy). There is no shortage of non-fiction works that explore the anti-Americanization topic at length, and many do seem to pivot on PM Mulroney's tenure. Many of the books are "essential reading" for every Canadian says Barlow. I collect and read them to better understand the scope and depth of the anti-Yankee neurosis.

Lots of these books are published with financial help from something called the Book Publishing Industry Development Program, which I suspect is yet another attempt to keep media from the American barbarians from dominating even more of the Canadian landscape. Some of Hurtig's books were similarly supported.

Edited August 4, 2016 by bush_cheney2004

[Pateris]

The Council of Canadians has more members than all political parties combined, and regularly exposes the predatory control of the economy by rich corporacrats.

The number of people hoodwinked into supporting the Council of Canadians is irrelevant. Millions of Germans joined the National Socialist German Workers Party too.

You believe the economy should be controlled by the government? As if that has worked anywhere it has been tried.

[SpankyMcFarland]

I think the title should be 'In Memoriam'. Can it be corrected?

[jbg]

I think the title should be 'In Memoriam'. Can it be corrected?

Done and thanks, assuming you're right on the spelling.

[ReeferMadness]

Mel Hurtig was a patriot in the truest sense. He'll be missed.