How Canada’s most divisive leader could reinvigorate our democracy
Jared Wesley is a professor of political science at the University of Alberta.
Something has to change in Canada this year. Right now, there is a widespread feeling that you are betraying your political allies if you engage with, or even listen to, people with different views. According to a study published last spring, three out of four Canadians I felt that our society was becoming more and more polarized. Historically, countries seek democratic reforms when they hit rock bottom. I wonder, watching replays of the Freedom Convoy, if we’ve already attacked ours.
Pierre Poilievre has become the politician of choice for many withI go supporters, in part because, unlike the last two leaders of the Conservative Party, he knows how to make them feel that they are being Heard. He emphasizes the problems CanCitizens face daily such as house prices and inflation. That approach has made more people politically engaged, especially those in blue-collar jobs who feel threatened in a rapidly evolving world, technologically, socially, and environmentally. Poilievre’s support is scattered, but he does make big inroads beyond rural areas and to the west, especially the suburbs. areas, greater Toronto in particular, the conservatives will have a better chance of winning the government.
Taking selfies with convoyers or criticizing the economy is easy. Solving problems is difficult. Barring snap elections and a Conservative victory, Poilievre will still represent the opposition in 2023, but the longer he remains out of power, the more his supporters risk entering a cycle of angst and frustration. It is important that Poilievre instead lead supporters to productive reform, not blind rage. We can look to the US Capitol riots as a violent example of what happens when angry groups take matters into their own hands.
That is the worst case. Compared to many of my col.leagues, I’m not overly concerned about the extreme right seizing power across Canada. To have an effect on politics, they would have to take control of most of the provincial legislatures. At the federal level, the parties are so diverse that it is difficult for one group to dominate.
At best, Poilievre’s ability to listen to his supporters and provide hope for a political shakeup could reinvigorate our democratic institutions. It’s a sad situation when the only way someone feels reflected in our national politics is to see a convoy of protesters occupy a Jacuzzi on Parliament Hill. How can we rebuild our civic institutions to welcome these people? I am not referring to those who wave Nazi flags and promote hate, but to those who have been unfairly framed by some politicians as living on the fringes of society. Opening the door to different points of view can bring about rapid change. Look at Alberta, where the two largest cities now have South Asian mayors. That would have been unfathomable even 15 years ago, and it happened because those communities were open to new perspectives. My hope is that Poilievre will have that effect on a diverse group of Canadians, beyond those who attend his rallies. To do that, you’ll need to cast a more positive vision, propose real political solutions, and overcome the impulse to denigrate opponents, especially if you want the support of Canadians who are simply looking for a competent government.
Next year, Poilievre will likely avoid Liberal and NDP issues such as health and social services, and instead set the agenda with issues close to people’s daily lives, especially the economy. Two-thirds of Canadians think the economy is on the wrong track and consumer sentiment has been negative for most of 2022. If Poilievre offers a more positive outlook, he may win new supporters outside of the party.
Resonating across party lines is tricky, but a prime minister must govern for all. In 2023, we need leaders who express what I think has become a silent majority opinion: polarization is unproductive. Politicians must feel comfortable finding a compromise without being skewered as traitors to their party or region, because another year of partisan infighting will further strain the ties of national unity.
Most Canadians don’t want to think too much about politics, and for a long time we’ve been blessed not to have to face these tough questions. Now that we’re all paying attention, I want leaders, including Poilievre, to encourage collaborative conversation. Do you have the personality and style to do that? That depends in part on how his advisers craft their message, and they’re still in attack mode.
—As told to Alex Cyr
This article appears in print in the December 2022 issue of maclean’s magazine. Buy the edition for $9.99 or better yet, subscribe to the monthly print magazine for just $39.99.
