David Warner
Against the Odds: The Life and Times of an Accidental Politician
- With a Foreword by Bob Rae
An inspiring political memoir of resilience and public service
In this memoir, David Warner shares an engaging, lighthearted, and no-holds-barred narrative of his journey.
“If you think everything is so bad with the Tories, why don’t you do something about it.” This was the challenge laid out to David Warner, then an elementary school teacher, by one of his colleagues. This challenge sparked a decades-long political career as a New Democrat, beginning with his attempts to get elected in the 1972 and 1974 federal elections, followed by seven subsequent election battles in provincial politics in Ontario.
Despite a pattern of victory, defeat, then another victory followed by defeat, Warner’s perseverance ultimately led to his election as the Speaker of the Province of Ontario Legislature from 1990 to 1995. Until his election as Speaker in 1990, there had been only 32 people who had served as Speaker. Additionally, his election was the first time a Speaker had been elected by his/her peers.
“My book is woven with humorous takes from the trails. I learned that a politician needs to balance the agony of defeat with a good sense of humour. It also provides cautionary advice for anyone considering entering the political arena. My story is a counter to today’s toxic atmosphere in Canada’s political landscape. My intent is to encourage the art of listening, respectful discussion, respect for one another, and a determination to strengthen our parliamentary democracy.”
Warner’s reflections on his tenure as Speaker offer a rare and insightful look into the role’s significance in parliamentary institutions. His candid account of balancing political life, family, and community adds a valuable dimension to political memoir literature. Warner’s narrative is not just a recounting of his political battles but a heartfelt story of resilience, community, and the enduring spirit of public service.
DAVID WARNER is a Canadian politician who served as a member of the Ontario Legislative Assembly. Representing the New Democratic Party (NDP), he held office in the Toronto riding of Scarborough-Ellesmere from 1975 to 1981, again from 1985 to 1987, and finally from 1990 to 1995. Warner notably served as the Speaker of the Ontario Legislature from 1990 to 1995. He was known for his dedication to education issues and advocacy for fairer labour practices during his political career.
Memoir
Pub Date: November 2024
$ 29.95 CDN | $24.95 USD
6 x 9 inches
160 Pages
Includes photos