Canadian Nationalism
Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, Jack McClelland became increasingly concerned over the state Canada was in. In particular, he was concerned over the increasing dominance of American corporations in what he considered vital sections of the Canadian economy. McClelland thought that American corporations would never publish Canadian books and because of this he began using McClelland & Stewart as a means of publishing Canadian literature. In 1970, McClelland joined the Committee for an Independent Canada as a Co-Chairman in order to help to ensure the independence of Canada’s economy. In 1971, McClelland became the Chair of the Committe for an Independent Canada (CIC) and began to steer it on a new course.
Letter to Margaret Atwood
This letter from Jack McClelland to Margaret Atwood discusses McClelland’s and Atwood’s similar views on Canadian nationalism. Of particular note is the emphasis McClelland places on the need for the Canadian nationalist movement to remain politically unaffiliated. Furthermore, McClelland states his belief that Canadian authors are the only group that can swing the balance of Canada’s future.
Short Letter to the Prime Minister
This document is a draft for a letter sent by McClelland to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. The letter aims to clarify the role of the CIC and its non-partisan nature. In the letter, McClelland requests a personal meeting for some of the members of the CIC with the Prime Minister in order to further brief him on the role and purpose of the CIC.
Draft Document for the Prime Minister
This is a draft document for a brief by the CIC to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and his cabinet. This draft document, personally edited by Jack McClelland, would later become the basis for the actual brief provided to the Prime Minster and his cabinet.
Future of the CIC
In May 1971, McClelland set out to establish the priorities for the CIC, and how it should operate in the future if it was to continue to be relevant on the Canadian political scene. In this document McClelland states that it is of absolute necessity that the CIC remain politically neutral and outside of party politics.