Private Power, Public Purpose: Adventures in Business, Politics, and the Arts

A remarkable memoir by the man at the apex of Canadian power for over fifty years, Private Power, Public Purpose is the ultimate insider’s history in the worlds of politics, business, and philanthropy.

In this broad-scoped, inside-Ottawa memoir, Thomas d'Aquino, described by Peter C. Newman as the most powerful influence on public policy formation in Canadian history, offers personal insights on four decades of bold leadership at the apex of power. A transforming force in redefining the role of business and the shaping of responsible capitalism, Canada’s private sector architect of the free trade agreement with the United States, bold defender of national unity, and passionate environmentalist, he has been at the centre of every major policy debate that has influenced contemporary Canada.

Referred to by his peers as Canada’s leading business ambassador , his memoir chronicles exploits on five continents and describes how he has championed Canada’s place as an economic player on the world stage. His insights on leadership are timeless, honed from relationships with six Canadian prime ministers (including Pierre Trudeau, for whom he worked as special assistant), over 1500 chief executives, and dozens of global leaders.

Beyond business and public policy, Thomas d'Aquino’s fascinating adventures in the world of voluntarism and the arts reveal a great deal about the soul of this remarkable Canadian.