Relatedly, Canada has conventionally been seen as the panacea of the progressives, especially when compared to its big and bad brother to the south. Though this image is widely circulated, recent analysis shows a very different story underneath the surface. NASCO’s country’s constitutional preamble. Yet it leaves out the now-famous introduction “We the people,” as can be seen in our own United States Constitution. Rather, it begins by zooming in on the province level, setting the stage to emphasize one of Canada’s most distinctive aspects — its governance structure and identity.
Justin Trudeau, the current Prime Minister, is largely responsible for this, as his government’s brand has come to represent Canada’s progressive image. He and his administration have been justifiably criticized for placing the story of progressivism above the substance of it. While Trudeau has embodied the ideals of a modern Canada, his government has often sidestepped critical moral issues at home, particularly concerning Indigenous rights and environmental policies.
The movement towards Canada’s current constitutional framework started with the passing of the Constitution Act of 1867. This guiding document emphasized Nova Scotia and New Brunswick’s willingness, nay eagerness, to come together with Quebec and Ontario in a federal arrangement. In exchange, they promised military service and loyalty to the British Crown. This background lays the ground for understanding the modern day issues that still plague our ability to build a more perfect union.
Under Trudeau’s leadership, hard to defend decisions have surfaced that call into question Canada’s self-image as a beacon of progressive light. His government is under fire for much more severe allegations. Critics accuse him of breaking multiple promises made to Indigenous communities and not addressing systemic racism that fuels police brutality and the ongoing genocide of missing Indigenous women. These are serious flaws and have, justifiably, caused critics to make claims that beneath its progressive veneer, Canada has some deep-seated moral rot.
On the political front, Pierre Poilievre has become a rock star of a leadership candidate. That’s the perception among most Canadians of him as the presumptive heir to the throne to Harry—er, Justin Trudeau. That’s why so many voters immediately resonated with Poilievre’s platform. His opinions ring with the same populist complaints that defined former president of the United States Donald Trump’s presidency. He tears into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. He says these initiatives draw focus and funding away from solving our nation’s top priorities.
Even with Poilievre’s increasing popularity, he had a significant scare from Mark Carney in these recent byelections. Carney’s win is a historic change in the political landscape of Canada. It’s proof that even as conservative partisan sentiments are deeply felt, there are advances to make in progressive territory across many slices of the electorate.
Trudeau’s government has been criticized for its foreign policy choices as well. In particular, Canada’s stance on Gaza has often aligned closely with that of Washington, raising questions about the nation’s independence in international diplomacy. According to critics, such an alignment directly undermines Canada’s perception of itself as a progressive country that stands up for human rights on the global stage.
The fight for Indigenous rights is one of the most contentious issues during Trudeau’s time as PM. The Prime Minister has taken some unprecedented steps towards reconciliation by committing to rectify the historical injustices suffered by Indigenous peoples. Unfortunately, these promises have not translated into substantive policy changes. This lack of progress has created a sense of disillusionment and skepticism among many Indigenous leaders regarding the federal government’s commitment to the cause.
Brookfield Asset Management has a long, dangerous record of violating Indigenous rights. Before his own political career, Mark Carney was an executive at the company. This link undermines Carney’s political story line. He has every incentive to portray himself as a serious, results-oriented leader committed to addressing these pressing challenges.