Title: J.D.M. Stewart Highlights Importance of Understanding Prime Ministers

Historian J.D.M. Stewart emphasizes the significance of recognizing Canada’s prime ministers in his new book, "The Prime Ministers: Canada’s Leaders and the Nation They Shaped," released on September 30, 2025. Stewart argues that understanding these leaders is crucial for grasping the nation’s history and identity.

During a recent Model United Nations event, Stewart posed a question to high school students about Lester B. Pearson, a Nobel Prize-winning prime minister known for introducing the maple leaf flag. Not one student could identify him. A teacher later expressed disappointment, stating, "No one really teaches about prime ministers anymore." This incident highlights a concerning trend in Canadian history education.

Stewart points out that if students are unaware of significant figures like Pearson, they may be missing vital aspects of their country’s history. He cites historian Peter C. Newman, who noted, "Every hour a prime minister spends in that office is an hour in his country’s history."

It has been over 25 years since a comprehensive survey of Canada’s prime ministers was conducted. Since then, five leaders—Jean Chrétien, Paul Martin, Stephen Harper, Justin Trudeau, and Mark Carney—have shaped the political landscape, contributing to nearly four decades of leadership marked by wars, economic challenges, and social changes.

Stewart argues that neglecting the stories of these leaders leaves Canadians with an incomplete understanding of their nation’s development. He also stresses the need to reassess historical perspectives, particularly regarding Indigenous peoples and environmental policies, which have often been overlooked in traditional narratives.

For instance, Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister, is now viewed through a more nuanced lens. While he is recognized as a key figure in building the nation, his policies have also been criticized for their detrimental impact on Indigenous communities. This complexity has sparked debate and highlights the importance of informed discussions about historical figures.

Stewart raises critical questions about how to evaluate past leaders. Should they be judged by contemporary values, or should their actions be viewed in the context of their time? He believes that understanding history requires a balanced perspective, acknowledging that leaders are neither entirely good nor bad.

The late historian Michael Bliss once questioned whether the study of prime ministers represents a "history from the top down," a notion that remains relevant today. Stewart argues that understanding prime ministers does not diminish the importance of social movements or everyday citizens; rather, it underscores the impact of leadership on the nation.

Mark Carney, the current prime minister, has referred to a "hinge moment" in Canadian history, suggesting that the country is at a critical juncture. However, Stewart notes that educational curricula across Canada are shifting, often sidelining political history. This trend risks creating a generation unaware of the significance of political leadership.

As authors Jack Granatstein and Norman Hillmer wrote, "Today’s scoundrel can be tomorrow’s hero depending on how events and perceptions alter interpretations." While reputations may change over time, the reality remains that prime ministers have profoundly influenced Canadian history and continue to shape the nation’s future.