This book beat out work by Douglas Coupland and Will Ferguson because it is very, very good — a terrific Canadian political satire.

Here’s the set up: A burnt-out politcal aide quits just before an election — but is forced to run a hopeless campaign on the way out. He makes a deal with a crusty old Scot, Angus McLintock — an engineering professor who will do anything, anything, to avoid teaching English to engineers — to let his name stand in the election. No need to campaign, certain to lose, and so on.

Then a great scandal blows away his opponent, and to their horror, Angus is elected. He decides to see what good an honest M.P. who doesn’t care about being re-elected can do in Parliament. The results are hilarious — and with chess, a hovercraft, and the love of a good woman thrown in, this very funny book has something for everyone.

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WINNER 2008 - Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour

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“Amusing, enlightening — and Canadian, and it deftly explores the Machiavellian machinations of Ottawa’s political culture.” - Globe and Mail

“This is a funny book that could only have been written by someone with firsthand knowledge of politics in Canada, including its occasionally absurd side. This is a great read for anyone thinking of running for office, and especially reassuring for those who have decided not to.” - The Hon. Allan Rock, former Justice Minister and Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations

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Visit the Best Laid Plans website

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Born and raised in Toronto, Terry Fallis worked as an assistant to Cabinet Ministers at Queen’s Park and in Ottawa. He now is president of Thornley Fallis Communications, a public relations company. He is the father of two teenagers, and he and his wife live in Toronto.

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