Premiers come and go; the Irvings endure–one of several timely observations from a new book by authour and New Brunswick Provincial Affairs reporter Jacques Poitras.
It’s called Irving vs. Irving: Canada’s Feuding Billionaires And The Stories They Won’t Tell. Poitras tells CHSJ News the massive influence of the company’s decisions and priorities make it a non-fiction must-read for anyone who follows politics and business in this region.
“Any company that actually says themselves that they are in it for New Brunswick, and to move New Brunswick forward, is basically inviting themselves to be scrutinized,” says Poitras.
“They’re the biggest private sector employer, the refinery accounts for more than half of the province’s exports, so they’re connected to the New Brunswick economy and New Brunswick society in a really big way.”
The book uses the Irving’s media holdings as a lens through which to examine topics few have dared to tackle, including the the split between the brothers, the underlying philosophy behind the vertically-integrated Irving business model, and more. The analysis is based both on interviews with key players and information the authour describes as having been “hiding in plain sight.”
“They’re always there. They’re always in the mix [….] oil and gas are not going out of style any time soon. They’re the biggest economic force in the province whether people feel that’s for better or for worse.”
It’s available in stores now and on Amazon–for more information, click here