Journalist

With more than 30 years in the business, Steve Paikin has built a sterling reputation as an accessible journalist; few people know the modern-era premiers of Canada’s most populous province the way he does. Based on TVO’s rich archive of interviews with Ontario’s premiers, Paikin and the Premiers offers a rare perspective on Kathleen Wynne, Dalton McGuinty, Ernie Eves, Mike Harris, Bob Rae, David Peterson, Frank Miller, Bill Davis, and John Robarts – from the vantage point of one of Canada’s most astute and respected journalists. A chronological presentation of interviews, beginning with Robarts (1961-1971) through to Wynne (2013) the book offers intimate insight from the author’s voice, juxtaposed with detailed transcripts of individual interviews with the premiers. Through his signature curious and conversational style, Paikin explores both the personal and professional lives of the interviewees, providing a compelling narrative about their careers in politics.

In addition to his accomplished work as an author, Paikin is anchor and senior editor of The Agenda with Steve Paikin, TVO’s flagship current affairs program and the gold standard for in-depth analysis and thoughtful debate on Canadian television. His inquisitive mind fuels the dialogue as he conducts timely interviews with people shaping Ontario politics and the big issues of the day. Paikin’s role at TVO provides for a rich portfolio of one-on-one in-depth interviews with Ontario’s premiers.

Paikin has spent 30 years in journalism, and last year celebrated his 20th anniversary with TVO. Paikin has moderated the past three federal and two Ontario election debates, and was recently named Chancellor of Laurentian University. Paikin is the author of four previously released works; three books on politics and one on hockey. In 2012 he was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubliee Medal in acknowledgement of his contributions to the Canadian media landscape.