Paper Trails

More about the book

From his perch in a tree overlooking Huntsville, a young Roy MacGregor developed a habit of observing people and their interactions. This curiosity about his fellow Canadians has fueled his journalism career, spanning notable publications like Maclean's, the Toronto Star, and the Globe and Mail. While the media landscape often leaned politically, MacGregor maintained a focus on the north, drawing inspiration from the deep woods and lakes of Algonquin Park. His storytelling shaped how Canadians viewed themselves, connecting them to their land and history. Early in his career, he became a crucial ally to Billy Diamond, the young chief of the Waskaganish Crees, who sought media attention for a water crisis in his community. Unlike others, MacGregor traveled to northern Quebec to listen and report. This marked the beginning of a significant friendship that later led him to pivotal moments in Canadian politics, including a meeting with Elijah Harper and Indigenous leaders regarding the Charlottetown Accord. MacGregor's knack for securing exclusive access to vital stories is evident throughout his career. Filled with anecdotes from a vibrant era of Canadian journalism, this compelling account showcases a life dedicated to storytelling.