WATCHDOGS and GADFLIES

REVIEWS Available at: Amazon.ca Chapters.Indigo

APEC, Seattle, Quebec City: those words conjure up scenes of tear gas and pepper spray, helmeted policemen and masked protesters. But those images are just the most visible signs of dissent; Watchdogs and Gadflies: Activism from Marginal to Mainstream puts the anti-globalization movement in a broader context. It is a timely and provocative book that demonstrates how activists working on various issues — the environment, taxes, health care, victims’ rights, education and democratic reform — are redefining the meaning of citizenship and democracy in Canada.

Journalist Tim Falconer travelled across Canada, talking to activists from across the political spectrum. He met with young radicals and veteran advocates, middle-class parents and back-to-the-landers, lawyers and grad students. Despite their political differences, there were surprising similarities among them: all are convinced they are more effective operating outside our political institutions than inside.

At a time when people are increasingly dissatisfied with traditional political parties, Watchdogs and Gadflies offers a lively exploration of how people are channelling their desire for change into activism. Anti-tobacco crusader Gar Mahood, who worked for tobacco regulation and warnings on cigarette packaging, has had an unprecedented impact on the health agenda. Anti-poverty activist Jim Green builds housing — and self-esteem — in Vancouver’s poorest neighbourhood and Wendy Cukier helped bring about effective gun control legislation. From Walter Robinson, the indefatigable proponent of lower taxes, to Aaron Koleszar, the Prince Edward Island activist who turned up on the cover of Time magazine during the Seattle protests, Watchdogs and Gadflies brings the people behind the placards and pamphlets vividly to life. Their stories encourage us to reassess our own ideas about what it means to be a citizen today.