1. What I’ve wanted since I was a kid
A Steinway piano. I finally got one in 1996. It’s more than 100 years old, and it’s a beauty. I’ve been playing it ever since—classical, jazz, everything.

2. How I spend quality time with my wife
We play tennis at York Racquets (50 Marlborough Ave., 416-920‑3355) throughout the year—mostly mixed doubles with another couple. Afterward, we go out for dinner to Brownes Bistro or Pastis.

3. My favourite writer
I first read George Orwell when I was 13 or 14. In university, I got hold of his four-volume collected works and reviewed them for the Varsity. Then, in 1999, The Globe and Mail asked me to review the newest editions, more than 40 volumes. He’s the best political writer of the 20th century.

4. What I’ll never give up
Rice pudding from Mars (432 Col­lege St., 416-921-6332). I cut back after my heart operation last summer, but I’ve been eating it since the 1960s. Served warm with a touch of cinnamon, it’s true comfort food.

5. Why I always wear the same winter hat
Every winter, I bring out a blue tuque I’ve had for 20 years. My brother gave it to me before he died, so I wear it proudly.

6. My rainy day habit
Catching a movie at the Cumber­land (159 Cumberland St., 416-964‑9359). The choice of films there is always very good. The Savages was a recent favourite. I also love anything by the Coen brothers.

7. Where I go to escape
My cottage on Big Rideau Lake. My family has had a place there since 1954—my mother still goes, and she’s 93. In 1987, my wife and I built our own place on the lake, and it’s where we spend every weekend from May to Octo­ber. I bass fish and play golf and barbecue. And it’s just 100 kilometres from Ottawa, which is great now that I live there part time.

8. What I use every day
I got a brown leather briefcase when I joined the Toronto law firm Sack Charney in 1977. I still have it. No one can understand why. To say it’s battered is an understatement.

9. Where I travel once a year
London is my favourite city outside of Canada. I will spend up to a week there walking around—visiting bookstores and antique map shops, riding the tube and just listening to people talk.

10. My favourite musician
Oscar Peterson and I became friendly when I was in government. I know his music well. Recently, somebody gave me vinyl recordings of Night Train and the Canadiana Suite.