Introduction Grappling with why so many people continue to reject a public life, I''ve often found myself asking whether there was anything I could do, however modest, to foster others to run for elected office? Was there something from my own political career that could help? In the course of my teaching, students have appreciated lessons I''ve shared about my three decades in the political world. It''s the same when I discuss the real workings of politics with wider audiences. And that''s when the idea hit me. Why not put pen to paper and write a "how-to" book about how to enter, succeed, and survive in the political arena, based on the experiences of my own public life? Why not document and share the key lessons I''ve learned along the way and at the same time help demystify the workings of a life spent in Canadian and international politics? And that''s what I decided to do. This book is a first for me. The pages that follow aim, as much as possible, to bring those stories and adventures to life in an instructive and informative manner. This isn''t a traditional memoir per se. Instead, while raising its share of political accounts, policy tales, and intriguing personalities, this book is designed to be a primer, a practical manual, if you will, about how one can successfully pursue a career in public life.

In other words, what should people be mindful of when considering putting their names on ballots? How should they manage that public square, from nominations, to campaigning, to governing? What skill sets are required? What are the dos and don''ts, the ups and downs, of the profession? How does politics really work? How does one project strong leadership? How do you maintain a balance between work and family life? How do you raise the necessary funds for a campaign? What are some of the mistakes people commit so others may learn from them? If we''re to make politics appealing, there''s no shortage of questions that need answering, and I''ve done my best to shed light on them. I also try to convey the notion that politics isn''t for the select few. Some politicians -- the Churchills, Mandelas, or Gandhis -- seemed destined to lead, but they''re the exceptions. The general rule, from my personal standpoint, is that most political leaders, even the great ones, are made. They work hard, fail, learn from their mistakes, rebuild, and go on to capture the moment, and the imagination of their citizens. Another deliberate aim of this book is to portray the satisfaction and excitement public service affords. There''s a daily grind, for sure, with lots of hard knocks and heartaches. Yet there are enormous rewards: the many highs that come with winning an election, the excitement of being called to the Cabinet table, championing new legislation, meeting captivating people, travelling and learning about our country and the world, and assisting constituents with their pressing issues.

This dimension shouldn''t and can''t be lost to potential candidates, especially when they''re bombarded by negative vibes about the state of our politics. In short, a public life can make for an exciting, meaningful, purposeful profession. Indeed, if your calling is to be in a job that helps your fellow citizens and your community, then politics should be close to the top of your list. In the forthcoming chapters, I take you through my roles as a community activist, a political assistant on Parliament Hill, an elected city councillor in Toronto, a Member of Parliament, a federal Cabinet minister, and an ambassador. I describe what these different positions entail, as well as outline some behind-the-scenes accounts of how I dealt with several high-profile and controversial policy files. In addition, I include the views of some former colleagues, both elected and non-elected. These are intended to enrich the narrative beyond my own. There''s much to learn from how others govern and persevere: what makes them tick, how they recover from mishaps, the values and skills they bring to the table, and how they inspire and lead supporters and voters alike.

Many of these public figures broadened my horizons, and I''m sure they can do the same for you. You''ll also find an array of lessons I''ve learned, and which I''ve highlighted, in the hope you''ll benefit from them. I also count on these teachings further elucidating the realities of public life. The first, introductory lesson is that politics isn''t for everyone. Nor should it be. We all have our own calling, where we chase our own dreams. But if you''re attracted by the notion of public service, if you have a yearning to improve the lot of your fellow citizens, then I for one hope you give public life your most serious consideration. In this regard, I want to reassure you that despite the blows and bruises that accompany a life in politics, looking back, I feel hugely privileged to have served in my different public posts.

When I think about my parents having been essentially "rejected" by two countries before immigrating to Canada, and of the opportunities this country afforded them, and in turn me, I feel we''ve been truly blessed. Representing Canadians was immensely fulfilling for many reasons, not least because it allowed me to give something back, and in a way, to thank Canada for its generosity toward our family. It also enabled me to better know my country, and to in turn admire it even more. The positions also offered me the chance to discover many parts of the world, to learn about different political customs, and to meet some of the personalities that led those nations. I wouldn''t have wanted it any other way. In her farewell address to New Zealand''s Parliament, Jacinda Ardern, the country''s former prime minister, reminisced about her time in office. She also made an impassioned case for political life, for Parliament''s capacity to welcome leaders of all kinds, not just hardened politicos, and she encouraged leaders of all types to reach for the political torch. "You can be anxious, sensitive, kind, and wear your heart on your sleeve.

You can be a mother, or not, you can be an ex-Mormon, or not, a nerd, a crier, a hugger -- you can be all of these things, and not only can you be here -- you can also lead, just like me." So aptly and honestly put! If you''re considering such a life, try to push aside any initial fright you may feel. Instead, take the time to consider what a political career might mean for you. List the requirements of the job: Document your own skill set. Outline the pros and cons. Seek out the opinions of family and friends. List your questions and learn about the vocation by talking to people in the political arena, as well as to those who have formerly served. Read some political biographies.

Visualize yourself rising to speak in Parliament for the first time as a rookie MP, or opening a new recreation centre as your city''s mayor. If you like what you feel, and if this excites you, then go for it! If you do, then I sincerely hope this book will be of some assistance and encouragement, that it provides you with a finer understanding of what a public life encompasses and how one should pursue it. Indeed, if this book helps just a single person somewhere in Canada to decide in favour of pursuing a public profession, then writing it will have been entirely worth it.