The upcoming Canadian election is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated events in recent political history. With the rise of populist movements around the world, many are wondering if Canada will succumb to the same fate as its neighbors to the south. However, as the election approaches, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Canadian election may prove to be another object lesson in the pitfalls of trying to do Trumpism without Trump.
The term “Trumpism” has become synonymous with the political tactics and rhetoric of the former US President, Donald Trump. His brash and divisive style has captivated a large portion of the American electorate and has been emulated by politicians around the world. However, what many fail to realize is that Trump’s success was not solely due to his personality, but rather a culmination of unique circumstances and a deeply divided political landscape in the United States.
In Canada, the political landscape is vastly different. The country has a long-standing tradition of centrist politics and a more collaborative approach to governing. This has resulted in a more stable and less polarized political climate, making it difficult for a Trump-like figure to gain traction. Despite this, there have been attempts by some Canadian politicians to adopt similar tactics in hopes of gaining popularity.
One of the most notable examples is Maxime Bernier, leader of the People’s Party of Canada (PPC). Bernier broke away from the Conservative Party of Canada in 2018 and formed his own party, with a platform that includes anti-immigration and anti-multiculturalism policies. He has been accused of promoting divisive and xenophobic rhetoric, similar to that of Trump.
However, unlike Trump, Bernier has failed to gain significant support. In the 2019 federal election, the PPC received only 1.6% of the popular vote and failed to win a single seat in Parliament. This can be attributed to Canada’s diverse and inclusive society, where such extreme views are not widely accepted.
Another example is Doug Ford, the Premier of Ontario and brother of the late Toronto Mayor, Rob Ford. Doug Ford has been accused of using Trump-like tactics, including attacking the media and promoting a populist agenda. However, his approval ratings have plummeted since taking office, and he has faced significant backlash for his controversial policies.
These examples demonstrate that trying to do Trumpism without Trump simply does not work in Canada. The country’s political landscape and values are vastly different from those of the United States, and Canadian voters are not easily swayed by divisive rhetoric and fear-mongering.
Furthermore, the current political climate in Canada is not conducive to a Trump-like figure rising to power. The country has a strong and independent judiciary, a free press, and a robust democratic system that serves as a check against any potential abuse of power. This is in stark contrast to the United States, where Trump was able to make significant changes to the political landscape due to the country’s weak institutions.
In addition, Canadians have shown a clear rejection of Trump-style politics in recent provincial elections. In 2018, Ontario elected a progressive government led by Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party, despite Ford’s attempts to tap into anti-establishment sentiment. Similarly, in 2019, Alberta elected a more moderate government, despite the incumbent premier’s attempts to adopt Trump-like tactics.
As we approach the 2021 federal election, it is evident that Canadians are not interested in following in the footsteps of their American neighbors. The country’s political landscape and values simply do not align with Trumpism, and any attempt to replicate it will likely result in failure.
In conclusion, the Canadian election may prove to be another object lesson in the pitfalls of trying to do Trumpism without Trump. The country’s unique political landscape and values make it challenging for a Trump-like figure to gain traction, and recent provincial elections have shown a clear rejection of such tactics. As Canadians, we should be proud of our strong democratic institutions and our inclusive society, and we must continue to reject divisive and fear-driven politics. Let us learn from the mistakes of our neighbors and continue to move forward as a united and progressive nation.
