Former Premier Gary Filmon’s new book aims to give history a hand
From the signing of the Meech Lake Accord to the loss of the Winnipeg Jets 1.0 to the 1999 Pan American Games, there are countless moments in Gary Filmon’s over a decade-long tenure as Manitoba’s premier that endure.
Now, a new book by the former politician aims to give history a hand in setting the record straight on his time in the premier’s chair.
“People often say, ‘what were you thinking?’ This is the answer to that. It goes through the process of how we and government make decisions, and what are all the complications, what are the alternatives,” Filmon told CTV News.
Filmon’s new book titled “Yes We Did: Leading in Turbulent Times” chronicles his life growing up in Winnipeg, meeting his wife Janice, his work as a civil engineer, his transition into politics, and his post-political life.
The former premier told CTV News the inspiration for such a comprehensive retrospective of his life and career came from a Christmas present.
“About five years ago, when we asked one of our sons what the kids needed for Christmas, he said, ‘you know, someday I hope that you’ll sit down and you’ll write about your time growing up, about the family history and ultimately, your story,’” Filmon said.
“Two years ago, that’s exactly what happened. I ended up doing that to give the kids basically a little booklet at Christmas with black and white photographs and with the basic story of my family history and my early life.”
In “Yes We Did,” the basic story has been expanded and the black and white photos remain.
One of Filmon’s defining moments as premier chronicled in multiple chapters is the Meech Lake Accord – an agreement between the federal and provincial governments to amend the Constitution, strengthening provincial powers and declaring Quebec a distinct society.
“The pressure was great and the arguments, despite all the other fundamental causes they put forward, it really was about whether or not the country was about to fall apart, and I certainly felt that,” Filmon recalled.
“There’s no question that the Meech Lake Accord was a serious issue that had a lot of emotional appeal to people right across the country.”
Another watershed moment in Filmon’s tenure came when the Winnipeg Jets moved to Arizona in 1996. The move resulted in a tumultuous and emotional response from fans. In the book, Filmon, a Jets supporter himself, recalls the scramble to raise funds to stop the move, and the vitriol that fell on him as efforts failed.
“Now, you would think that, ‘well, it’s only a hockey team.’ But it had such a part of our emotions here in Winnipeg and Manitoba and around that I actually received death threats during that period of time from people saying, ‘You can’t let the Jets go,’” he said.
While his career in politics is in his rear-view mirror, Filmon was still willing to give a piece of advice to Manitoba’s next premier, set to be named on Saturday.
“I would say that listening is really important, consulting, bringing together people to hear different ideas before you make important ideas,” he said.
“There’s nothing to beat listening to the people who really count.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.