Janice MacKinnon helped make a sea change happen in Canadian politics and this book is a fascinating account of the real world of public life. There are still lessons to be learned, and hard choices to be made. Janice MacKinnon is one of the few social democrats who really 'gets it.' Bob Rae /// "MacKinnon provides a remarkably candid and insightful account of the financial crisis that placed Saskatchewan on the brink of bankruptcy. Her insider's account is written in clear, accessible, and even elegant prose. She gives us rare glimpses into the inner workings of government at the highest level, including the importance of personality and leadership style within the policy process, together with serious analysis." Paul Thomas, Duff Roblin Professor of Government, University of Manitoba /// "MacKinnon makes a unique contribution to Canadian history and public policy studies. Her account grabs the reader and draws them into the events that are being explained. The insights that this work offers have enormous relevance to the issues that Canadians are grappling with today. Whether voters are principally concerned with policy for First Nations, the sustainability of the health care system, or federal-provincial relations more generally, they will find MacKinnon's conclusions and suggestions for future policy development fascinating and well worth discussing." Jim Miller, Canada Research Chair, History, University of Saskatchewan