Thomas Mulcair reflects on the tone of political discourse throughout his 25 years in politics, having served in Quebec, as Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, and in Ottawa as the leader of the New Democratic Party and of the Official Opposition. Regarded, even by his critics, as one of the most effective leaders of the Opposition, primarily for his prosecutorial style during question period, he notes the differences between the debates in Quebec City and Ottawa, and the problem of heckling. He also speaks of the reality behind the scenes, recalling the common civility that bring members of parliament together. What comes out is a contrast between not only the political disagreements and the genuine human relationships of Canadian politicians, but also the contrast between the working relationships of the political class and a mounting climate of intolerance in the wider public. Tom speaks candidly with myself, Sheila Das, as we resume a connection we had while I was a volunteer for the NDP riding of Outremont.
Thomas Mulcair recommends... to those in public life: "The only way I can think to tell somebody who‘s having that sort of problem to deal with [vicious attacks] is to ignore the social media... I mean don't read them."
