Overview

The late Honourable Michael Wilson was a Canadian politician and business professional. As Minister of Finance under Brian Mulroney, Wilson was one of the key negotiators of the Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement one of Canada's most important economic agreements in the last 50 years, later superseded by NAFTA. In addition, Wilson was responsible for implementing the controversial Goods and Services Tax (GST), which remains key to the federal government today. After his life in Parliament, Wilson served as Ambassador to the United States and Chancellor of the University of Toronto. Outside of politics, Wilson was active in raising awareness of mental health issues following the traumatic loss of his son, Cameron, to suicide. Devoting considerable time to advocacy, he established the Cameron Parker Holcombe Wilson Chair in Depression Studies at the University of Toronto and served as Board Chair for the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Something within Me highlights how Wilson's personal life blended with his political life and accomplishments, detailing his advocacy for mental health awareness as well his involvement in important pieces of legislation that made significant impacts in Canadian political and economic history. These deeply personal stories, particularly those of a father grappling with his son's illness and death, remind us of the lives behind the political personas that shape our world.

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9781487544386

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Something within Me purveys a unique understanding of what motivates the best among us who gain high elected office. Michael Wilson's frank reflections convey the essence of a life and career that added true value to our country in business, government, and diplomacy - Hon. Hugh D. Segal, Former Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Brian Mulroney A respected federal statesman, a titan of Bay Street, and a pioneer in moving Canada's mental health forward, Michael Wilson was a powerful influence for me both in business and in giving back to our communities. His moving memoir offers a deeper look into his life and legacy of service to Canadians everywhere, and renewed inspiration that we can all make a positive difference in the lives of others. - George A. Cope, Former CEO of BCE and Bell Canada In Something within Me, Michael Wilson recalls a remarkable career that spanned the worlds of politics, finance, and diplomacy. In so doing, he demonstrates how public service can be combined with a personal commitment to making the world a better place. Nowhere is this more evident than his support for mental health and research, where his tireless efforts have left an enduring legacy. - Jane Philpott, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Director of the School of Medicine, Queen's University Michael Wilson was a politician, diplomat, investment banker, educator, mental health visionary and advocate, and family man - and he excelled at them all. This book is a personal memoir of one of the greatest Canadians of all time who accomplished so much in so many fields and did it with ethics, integrity, good humour, and humility. - Tony Fell, Former Chairman and CEO of RBC Capital Markets Michael Wilson was a surprising man, almost the definition of The Quiet Canadian. But as this memoir so remarkably makes clear, his passions and sense of duty ran deep. He was the kind of cabinet minister we just don't see anymore: decent, effective, and incapable of grandstanding. Yet he was also a father who transformed a family tragedy into a triumph of sustained love and advocacy which helped to change our attitudes to mental illness. It is good to have this record properly and eloquently told. - John Fraser, Master Emeritus of Massey College and author of The Chinese and Eminent Canadians The country was fortunate when Michael Wilson returned to political life as Canada's Ambassador to the United States during the early years of my government. Mike's commitment to his country and his lifelong quest for mutually beneficial relationships helped restore our most important international partnership. His memoir reminds us that inspiring people to reach their potential was also a hallmark of Mike's accomplishments as a business leader, educational mentor, and advocate for mental health. Something within Me is a candid and compelling look at a transformative time in our country's history and a man who helped make it so. - The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Former Prime Minister of Canada This memoir evokes both the private and the public Michael Wilson, an extraordinary Canadian whose impact across many spheres remains very much alive. It provides us with singular insights into a man defined by an intellectual, ethical, and moral centre, someone who had the stature and conviction to demand bold action from individuals, organizations, provinces, and the entire country. - Catherine Zahn, Ontario Deputy Minister of Health and Former CEO and President of Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) While Something within Me is a memoir - and gift - for his grandchildren, it is also a revelation that the greatness of Michael Wilson is rooted in the goodness of Michael Wilson. Given the times we are living through, Something within Me is an informative, touching, and wonderfully readable gift to us all. - Bill Wilkerson, Executive Chairman of Mental Health International

Author Information

Michael Wilson was a Canadian businessman, politician, diplomat, and mental health advocate. As an investment banker, he held senior roles at Royal Bank of Canada, UBS Canada, and Barclays Capital Canada. He was a Member of Parliament from 1979 to 1993, serving as Minister of Finance and Minister of International Trade under Brian Mulroney. He also served as Canadian Ambassador to the United States and Chancellor of the University of Toronto, where he established the Cameron Parker Holcombe Wilson Chair in Depression Studies. He was a member and chair of numerous boards, including Board Chair of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and a Companion of the Order of Canada. Brian Mulroney is a lawyer and politician who was the Prime Minister of Canada from 1983 to 1993.

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