**New Book Explores Canada's Prime Ministers and Their Impact** Historian J.D.M. Stewart's new book, *The Prime Ministers: Canada’s Leaders and the Nation They Shaped*, was released on September 30, 2025. The book offers a fresh perspective on the individuals who have held Canada’s highest office, from John A. Macdonald to Mark Carney. In an excerpt from the book, Stewart emphasizes the importance of remembering and reassessing these leaders to better understand Canada’s history.

Stewart recalls an experience at a Model United Nations event where he spoke to Canadian high school students. He displayed a photograph of Lester B. Pearson, a Nobel Prize-winning prime minister, but none of the students recognized him. A teacher later expressed disappointment, stating, "No one really teaches about prime ministers anymore." This incident highlights a significant gap in history education in Canada. If students are unaware of influential figures like Pearson, it raises concerns about what else they might be missing in their understanding of the nation.

Stewart argues that the lack of focus on prime ministers in classrooms hinders Canadians' comprehension of their own identity. Historian Peter C. Newman once noted, "Every hour a prime minister spends in that office is an hour in his country’s history." This underscores the role of prime ministers as more than mere functionaries; they are chosen representatives who shape national direction.

It has been over twenty-five years since the last comprehensive survey of Canada’s prime ministers. Since then, five leaders—Jean Chrétien, Paul Martin, Stephen Harper, Justin Trudeau, and Mark Carney—have entered the historical narrative. Their tenures span nearly four decades, a time marked by international conflicts, economic challenges, constitutional debates, and significant social changes. Failing to tell their stories leaves Canadians with an incomplete understanding of their country’s evolution.

Stewart also points out that the perspective on Canadian history has expanded significantly. Traditional narratives often overlooked the roles of Indigenous peoples and environmental policies. Decisions made by prime ministers in these areas have lasting impacts on contemporary society. Ignoring these aspects means missing crucial elements of their legacies and the broader historical context.

For instance, recent discussions about Sir John A. Macdonald have revealed complexities in his legacy. While he is recognized as a key figure in building Canada, he also implemented policies that adversely affected Indigenous communities. This duality has sparked intense debate, highlighting the necessity of being well-informed before forming judgments about historical figures.

Stewart raises important questions about how to evaluate past leaders. Should they be judged by modern values, or should their actions be viewed in the context of their time? These inquiries not only make history engaging but also emphasize the importance of understanding the past to navigate these discussions thoughtfully.

In history, as in life, complexities abound. Prime ministers are neither purely heroic nor entirely villainous. They are flawed individuals who wielded significant power, and their decisions—ranging from expanding suffrage to engaging in military actions—have profoundly influenced Canadian society. The late historian Michael Bliss posed a critical question in his 1994 work, *Right Honourable Men*, about the nature of historical narratives and their implications for understanding leadership in Canada.