Svend Robinson: A Life in Politics (New Star Books, 2013) is the new biography of the longtime NDP MP, and is discussed by its author Graeme Truelove, with Joseph Planta.

Svend Robinson: A Life in Politics by Graeme Truelove (New Start Books, 2013). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Svend Robinson

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, at TheCommentary.ca.

If you’ve lived in this part of the world, or followed Canadian politics over the last 30 years or more, there isn’t a political figure either loved or loathed as much as former NDP MP Svend Robinson. From his first election to the House of Commons in 1979, to his public downfall after theft of a diamond ring in 2004 that essentially ended his political career, Robinson was a very public figure, garnering attention from the press like nobody before or since. He used the press effectively to get attention for causes that were important to him, while there were many opponents even from his own side of the political aisle who didn’t share his public zeal. He was Canada’s first openly gay MP, he was imprisoned for blocking loggers from clear-cutting Clayoquot Sound, he protested for human rights getting injured and even getting expelled from foreign countries. A new book, Svend Robinson: A Life in Politics looks at this remarkable life, the early years with difficulties within his family, his years of service and in the public eye, his diagnosis with bipolar disorder, and his life today. The book’s author joins me now. Graeme Truelove is an author, editor and proof-reader. He has worked for the House of Commons and the Library of Parliament since 2001, and was an intern in Robinson’s Ottawa office from 2002 to 2004. He’s also taught at Frontier College. The website for more is at www.graemetruelove.com. The book is published by New Star Books. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, in Ottawa today, Graeme Truelove; Mr. Truelove, good morning.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (31.1MB)

Subscribe: RSS