"Who and what led up to this disaster? Was it the result of a few workers not following the rules as the federal Minister of Transport claimed, or were other people and events behind this? Bruce Campbell has carried out meticulous research in many fields to piece together the whole story of a catastrophe-in-the making, and his findings, as reported in this book, will be of interest to readers who value human life, intact communities, and a safe environment. Much more than a research report, the book is a dramatic read, with no letup in the action from start to finish."

- Harry Gow, President Emeritus of Transport Action Canada and Chair of the Board of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre

"Bruce Campbell has made a superb contribution. His vivid account of the events at Lac-Mégantic reveal a deep empathy for the victims. He accords them the highest respect possible by avoiding sentiment and explaining why it all happened. He puts the tragedy in its economic and political context. He shows how the internalization of neoliberalism by our political elites has made it too easy easy for predators. Deregulation to satisfy the avaricious heedless of human welfare, is carefully documented. The associated disciplining of bureaucrats and the corruption of corruptible regulators is brought out with precision. Campbell proves that the Lac-Mégantic disaster was a designed event, not an accident. The law's failure to punish the truly guilty endorses his point. This is a "must read" for all, but especially for those of us who want to believe that our political and legal institutions are there to protect us, rather than private profiteers."

- Harry Glasbeek, Professor Emeritus and Senior Scholar, Osgoode Hall Law School. York University

"With great policy proficiency and a profound quest for justice, Campbell clearly explains why Transport Canada, along with and railway companies/lobbies and oil companies, did not want a public inquiry into the tragedy of Lac-Mégantic. This book exposes how these actors sought to shield their actions rather than promote public safety. Corporate greed and narcissism, regulatory capture, political laissez-faire and unaccountability are boldly explained as some of the unwarranted causes of this tragedy. These explanations, as infuriating as they are, tragically comfort after more than five years of impunity and mourning."

- Liette Gilbert is Professor and Graduate Program Director, Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University.

"Bruce Campbell has achieved a rare feat. By combining careful and meticulous research with compelling personal narratives, his engaging and highly readable book is both a sobering analysis of the diverse constellation of factors that ultimately lead to the Lac-Mégantic tragedy and a moving elegy to those whose lives were forever altered by it. It is also a call to action and a larger reflection on the need to balance prosperity with fundamental values. All Canadians should read this book."

- Jennifer Quaid, Civil Law Section, Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa

"Itemizing the confluence of avoidable conditions that caused the catastrophe, and not afraid to assign blame, the book pays tribute to a resilient community even as it leaves us with the uneasy feeling that, if fundamental changes aren't made, something similar might happen again somewhere."

- Montreal Gazette

"The Lac-Megantic Rail Disaster not only vividly captures the horror of the 2013 derailment inferno that killed 47 Quebecers, but also shows how little Ottawa has done to prevent a similar catastrophe from happening again."

- Linda McQuaig Toronto Star

"You'll find this book very informative on what the governments of the day (Liberal or Conservative, Federal or Provincial) have (or more likely haven't) done to ensure another Lac-Mégantic doesn't happen. Brutally honest reading."

- Miramichi Reader