Democracies and the rule of law are under threat from domestic demagogues and foreign dictators. First, we face foreign interference threats and hostile action from authoritarian regimes such as Russia, China, and Iran. Second, we face an authoritarian neighbour who has ignored our longstanding friendship to declare economic war. At the same time, Trumpism has empowered sophisticated right-wing movements to insidiously infiltrate our NATO and democratic allies. Canada has been affected by these threats, but, nevertheless, remains relatively unscathed as recent events have shown our ability to unite as a country.
I am not here as a Liberal nor as a member of the Mark Carney campaign team, but as a fellow law student imploring you to get involved in this election as much as possible. True democracy affords us the privilege of not caring about politics. However, the fact that Canada is facing a federal election during a time of political upheaval means silence is no longer an option. We face Pierre Poilievre, an opposition leader who parrots Trumpian rhetoric and deals in falsehoods to undermine our faith in public institutions and democracy, and render us apathetic.
Such a government is dangerous for Canadian democracy and the rules-based international order. Mr. Poilievre has made derogatory statements about Indigenous peoples, repeatedly supported anti-union legislation (despite claiming the opposite should he form government), repeatedly spread lies about government legislation (such as carbon pricing), and regularly attacks the press. He, like Trump, decides when being a political elite applies to him. Despite claiming to be a champion for the average Canadian Mr. Poilievre has been in politics since he was twenty-four, when he rose up the ranks as his terrifying populist self. Contrary to his supposed disdain for “elites,” he hosts expensive parties for proponents of private healthcare and CEOs accused of undermining competition, affordability, and sustainable living.
Mr. Poilievre undermines our faith in the public institutions that make Canada the envy of the world. He states that “we will stop being stupid” when he is Prime Minister and will take out the “gatekeepers” such as the Governor of the Bank of Canada or the CBC, which is accessed by over 80% of the country. Moreover, he pretends that the division of powers is nonexistent, which has emboldened some provinces to undermine strong national policy. He claims he represents “common sense,” yet by appealing to people’s base instincts, Mr. Poilievre is sabotaging the democratic system that has allowed Canada to flourish. A disengaged, apathetic, and angry populus will be more susceptible to the foreign interference attempts of authoritarian and dictatorial regimes who would love for democracy to fail. It reinforces their own regime at home while enabling economic superiority abroad.
Canada is uniquely positioned as a Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic nation. We have abundant natural resources, economic diversity, and a NATO state. We are a powerhouse. In a world of democratic decline, our support for Ukraine, world institutions, nuanced solutions to complex overseas conflicts, and gender equality make us a sticky outlier to authoritarian regimes. While Canada’s constitutional jurisprudence complicates many of the terrifying legislative changes seen in fellow NATO states, Mr. Poilievre saps the strength of democracy.
Why am I imploring you to get involved as much as possible? As law students, we are more than capable of reading between the lines. We understand how to read hard policy, make decisions informed by the principles of human rights and international law, and navigate through nuanced legal issues. We have a responsibility to protect Canada and the public institutions. We are obligated to improve our country, and while we have much work to do, standing pat and leaving our country susceptible to an authoritarian takeover is unacceptable.
I have been politically involved with several different parties since I was seventeen (I even ran to be a Green Party candidate for my riding). The Liberals understand economics and social policy and, crucially, are not afraid to keep the provinces in check when necessary. Politics is never an easy game—Liberals may not always get it right, but they do acknowledge their mistakes and work to rectify them.
Moving to the race, Mr. Carney is a social and climate policy advocate while maintaining a strong sense of fiscal responsibility. He is capable of standing up to Donald Trump and other demagogues seeking to undermine our sovereignty. In a world of democratic decline, Mr. Carney is unafraid to flex his democratic muscles.
Mr. Poilievre is scared of Mr. Carney’s appeal to Canadians. Despite his excellent work in climate and social policy, many primarily view him as a fiscally responsible, less extreme alternative. Many Conservatives I have spoken to are now considering voting for Mr. Carney. Why is this? Perhaps Mr. Trudeau’s resignation has made people realize that Mr. Poilievre’s only offer consists of insulting his opponents, chaos, and childishness. In a time of crisis, such a personality is especially unbecoming of a leader in a G7 democracy. Indeed, the polls show that Mr. Poilievre’s once undeniable majority is now falling through his fingers. The Liberals’ comeback since the leadership race’s commencement has been legendary—it turns out that Canadians are responsive to calm and collected behaviour.
I understand many of you are not Liberals, but I am imploring you to understand the consequences of Mr. Poilievre winning government, especially a majority. I even understand if you choose to vote strategically. But remember this: Canada is special. We are a true democracy and have rallied behind a gut wound by our closest ally and neighbour. We have stood steadfast against authoritarianism and injustice. We have problems, yes, but we are working on them. Failing to contain domestic demagogues will tear us apart. Get involved and get informed as much as possible. Our democracy depends on it. Remember, “Peace, Order and Good Government” are not free, and we have failed as a profession if this is how democracy dies—with thunderous applause.