Title and statement of responsibility area
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Mel Hurtig fonds
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- Source of title proper: Title based on contents of the fonds.
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Physical description
28.4 m of textual records and other material
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Name of creator
Biographical history
Publisher, Author, Politician, 1932-. Melvin Gordon Hurtig was born in Edmonton in 1932, and in 1956 opened a bookstore in Edmonton which grew into one of the largest retail book operations in Canada. He sold his stores in 1972 and concentrated on publishing Canadian books, most notably 2 editions of the highly acclaimed <em>The Canadian Encyclopedia</em> (1985 and 1988) and <em>The Junior Encyclopedia of Canada</em>(1990). He sold Hurtig Publishers to Toronto-based McClelland & Stewart in 1991. A well-known economic nationalist, Mr. Hurtig was a founding member of the Committee for an Independent Canada and in 1985 he was founding chairman of the Council of Canadians. A critic of the high degree of foreign ownership and control in Canada, he campaigned vigorously against the Free Trade Agreement with the US. His first book, <em>The Betrayal of Canada,</em> was the best-selling book in Canada in 1991. In 1992 he was the driving force behind a new political organization, the National Party, a party committed to nationalist and populist goals. Mr. Hurtig was selected the party's leader and wrote its policy statement, A New and Better Canada. Mr. Hurtig resigned as leader in 1994 and the party subsequently disintegrated. He has received much recognition for his outspoken nationalism, including numerous honorary degrees. He also received the Lester B. Pearson Man of the Year Peace Award (1988) and is an Officer of the Order of Canada. His autobiography, <em>At Twilight in the Country: Memoirs of a Canadian Nationalist </em>was published in 1996.
Custodial history
Scope and content
The fonds consists of these series: I Committee for an Independent Canada (1970-1981). Correspondence, press clippings, and reports mostly relating to Hurtig's role in the committee's efforts to counter increased foreign ownership of the Canadian economy. II Council of Canadians (1971-1993). Articles, briefing notes, correspondence, financial records, speeches, and other documents relating to the Council of Canadians. III National Party of Canada (1991-1994). Material relating to the establishment of the National Party and the 1993 federal election. IV. Personal records (1967-1996). Personal correspondence, documents relating to Mr. Hurtig's campaign in the 1972 federal election, personal material relating to Hurtig Publishers, The Canadian Encyclopedia, The Junior Encyclopedia of Canada, and drafts of his memoirs, At Twilight in the Country.
Notes area
Physical condition
Includes 1 audio cassette, 1 videocassette and 10 photographs.
Immediate source of acquisition
Donated by Mr. Hurtig in several different accessions
Arrangement
Language of material
- The material is in English.
Script of material
Location of originals
Availability of other formats
Restrictions on access
Consult archives for details.
Terms governing use, reproduction, and publication
Finding aids
Inventories of several different accessions are available
Associated materials
Hurtig Publishers fonds, held by University of Alberta Archives; Canadian Encyclopedia fonds, held by University of Alberta Archives
Accruals
Further accruals are expected.
General note
Record No. 86-132, 87-13-1, 91-62, 91-63, 91-64, 95-34, 95-101, 95-200, 96-27, 99-20<br><br>
Alternative identifier(s)
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Name access points
- Hurtig, Mel (Subject)