Who is Paul Steckle?

Some view him as a bold political leader whose faith keeps him resolute and determined, a dedicated public servant who places his constituents ahead of his career or his standing with Canada's Liberal Party. Critics say he's a religious fundamentalist whose moral code is mired in a bygone era of intolerance, a man who is traditional to a fault.

But such broad strokes don't begin to capture the essential character of the Mennonite pig farmer who rose to win five elections over thirteen years, representing the citizens of Huron-Bruce in Parliament. Controversial, but never dull, Paul Steckle overcame the odds to become the Unexpected Leader, a popular liberal in a conservative riding. The "fiscal conservative with a heart," Steckle fought to improve healthcare and promote job creation, while never failing to remind his peers that it's the citizens who pay the bills.

With "Stickin' to His Guns," political enthusiasts of all stripes finally have a portrait in full of this remarkable figure-a richly detailed, behind-the-scenes account from someone who was there to witness it all. Gregory McClinchey brings to life the battles that Paul Steckle waged against the political elite, scoring triumphs along the way, while accepting setbacks with an unflagging sense of humor and an uncurbed resolve to serve the people over his own ambitions.

ROBERT D. McCLINCHEY looks back at a long and fruitful life in this memoir, beginning with his birth on the family farm in 1926.

Growing up in East Wawanosh Township in Ontario, he found plenty of adventure-often getting into mischief with his six siblings. The family worked together, struggled together and had fun together.

From an early age, one of the keys to Robert's life was music, which the family enjoyed playing together. Whenever he played the fiddle, he was at peace with himself and others. It also led him to his late wife of 58 years, Frances. In 1950, the two were married.

In this candid look back at his long life, Robert remembers his varied careers, including fisherman, pool hustler, machinist, mechanic, ice-road trucker, gasoline station attendant, road-builder, snowplow operator, bus driver, farmer and syrup maker. More importantly, he explores what it means to be a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather while being a "Jack of All Trades and Master of None."

ROBERT D. McCLINCHEY looks back at a long and fruitful life in this memoir, beginning with his birth on the family farm in 1926.

Growing up in East Wawanosh Township in Ontario, he found plenty of adventure-often getting into mischief with his six siblings. The family worked together, struggled together and had fun together.

From an early age, one of the keys to Robert's life was music, which the family enjoyed playing together. Whenever he played the fiddle, he was at peace with himself and others. It also led him to his late wife of 58 years, Frances. In 1950, the two were married.

In this candid look back at his long life, Robert remembers his varied careers, including fisherman, pool hustler, machinist, mechanic, ice-road trucker, gasoline station attendant, road-builder, snowplow operator, bus driver, farmer and syrup maker. More importantly, he explores what it means to be a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather while being a "Jack of All Trades and Master of None."

Who is Paul Steckle?

Some view him as a bold political leader whose faith keeps him resolute and determined, a dedicated public servant who places his constituents ahead of his career or his standing with Canada's Liberal Party. Critics say he's a religious fundamentalist whose moral code is mired in a bygone era of intolerance, a man who is traditional to a fault.

But such broad strokes don't begin to capture the essential character of the Mennonite pig farmer who rose to win five elections over thirteen years, representing the citizens of Huron-Bruce in Parliament. Controversial, but never dull, Paul Steckle overcame the odds to become the Unexpected Leader, a popular liberal in a conservative riding. The "fiscal conservative with a heart," Steckle fought to improve healthcare and promote job creation, while never failing to remind his peers that it's the citizens who pay the bills.

With "Stickin' to His Guns," political enthusiasts of all stripes finally have a portrait in full of this remarkable figure-a richly detailed, behind-the-scenes account from someone who was there to witness it all. Gregory McClinchey brings to life the battles that Paul Steckle waged against the political elite, scoring triumphs along the way, while accepting setbacks with an unflagging sense of humor and an uncurbed resolve to serve the people over his own ambitions.