Local Campaign Behaviour in Canadian Elections

The Contours of Centralization

Jacob Robbins-Kanter

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Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

University of Toronto Press
01 August 2025

Political correctness; Political structure & processes; Political parties; Political manifestos; Public opinion & polls

Local Campaign Behaviour in Canadian Elections investigates the relationship between the local and national components of Canadian political parties. Jacob Robbins-Kanter emphasizes the significance of local campaigns

often overlooked by scholars, voters, and the media

and examines when and why these campaigns deviate from national directives during federal elections.

Grounded in original data, the book explores the intricate dynamics between local campaigns and central party headquarters during Canadian elections, highlighting their cooperation, clashes, and divergences. It reveals the prevalence of undisciplined local campaign behaviour and the underestimated agency of local actors. The book argues that local campaigns retain meaningful agency to make critical decisions, influence election outcomes, and articulate local interests.

presents a nuanced portrayal of local actors, positioning them as neither entirely autonomous nor merely instruments of a central party apparatus.

By: Jacob Robbins-Kanter
Imprint: University of Toronto Press
Country of Publication: Canada
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm,
Weight: 1g
ISBN: 9781487564766
ISBN 10: 1487564767
Pages: 277
Publication Date: 01 August 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , Primary , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

List of Figures and Tables 1. Introduction 2. Local–National Party Relations 3. Constituency Campaign Discipline 4. Voter Canvassing and Campaign Literature 5. Internal Party Communications 6. Local Campaign Self-Discipline 7. Conclusion Appendix A: Methods Appendix B: Ethics Clearance Letters Appendix C: List of Candidate Interview Questions Appendix D: List of Party Strategist Interview Questions Notes Notes Works Cited Index

Jacob Robbins-Kanter is an assistant professor in the Department of Politics and International Studies at Bishop’s University.