Citizen Mel, Part 1 & 2

His name is synonymous with the words "Canadian nationalist". Mel Hurtig's voice has been prominent in discussions about the country for almost fifty years. He is a bookseller, a publisher and a catalyst for debate on subjects ranging from child poverty to nuclear arms. IDEAS producer Kathleen Flaherty traces Mel Hurtig's lifelong quest to shape a Canada he passionately believes in.

Mel Hurtig declares his love for Canada at every opportunity. On the other hand, when Mel Hurtig doesn't like something, he does something about it. He believes that none of us have any right to complain about the way things are unless we act to change them. He has fought many battles over the years and his name is enough to make some people roll their eyes in exasperation. But he has received a considerable amount of aprobation as well, including the Order of Canada.

Throughout his forty-plus years of activism, Mel Hurtig has never held political office, although he tried twice. He's done it all as an Edmonton businessman, an ordinary guy from Alberta, a citizen of Canada.