Do Canadians Really Like Divisive, Fear-Driven Tactics?

 

Do Canadians Really Like Divisive, Fear-Driven Tactics?

It’s hard to look at the current political landscape in Canada and not feel deeply concerned. More and more, we’re seeing politicians like Pierre Poilievre aligning themselves with figures like Donald Trump, whose politics are grounded in fear, division, and distrust. Poilievre’s rhetoric may promise ‘change,’ but it’s the kind of change that breeds fear and undermines the values Canadians have always held dear.

The recent rally in Port Kells, where thousands gathered to hear Poilievre speak, is a stark reminder of how divisive and polarizing politics are being embraced by more and more Canadians. And it’s not just his words—it's the very tactics he employs: fearmongering, scapegoating, and the sowing of distrust. When people show up just to hear a man who thrives on fear and division, what does that say about us as a nation? What does it say about the state of empathy, compassion, and critical thinking in our society?

But it’s not just Poilievre. Take Brent Chapman, the new MLA in Surrey South. Despite a history of deeply troubling social media posts and remarks that align with hateful ideologies, Chapman managed to win the seat. In the face of calls for his removal, he’s remained silent, and the media, for the most part, has let this slide. How is it that someone with such a dark and divisive history can continue to hold public office without scrutiny? And why is this behavior being ignored?

The support for these figures—Poilievre with his Trump-like politics and Chapman with his offensive rhetoric—should not be seen as just a political disagreement. It’s a warning. It’s a sign of something much deeper. Is this the Canada we want? Do we really want to align ourselves with policies that echo the cruelty we’ve seen in the U.S. under Trump? Do we want to follow in the footsteps of a nation that turned a blind eye to the suffering of its own people, to the rounding up of students and immigrants, to the complete erosion of basic human rights?

We need to ask ourselves: Is this where we’re headed? Is this the future we want to create for ourselves and for future generations?

It’s terrifying to think that so many Canadians are willing to overlook the damage that these leaders and their divisive tactics could do to our country. The support for these figures is not just about a difference in policy—it’s a difference in morals, in values, and in the direction we want our country to go.

I’m calling on all Canadians to take a stand. We need to push back against this rise of fear-driven politics and demand accountability from our leaders. We need to ask hard questions and seek the truth—because if we don’t, we risk losing the very fabric of what it means to be Canadian. We cannot allow our country to be dragged down by divisiveness and hate.

Canadians need to decide: Do we want to be a nation of compassion, inclusion, and unity, or will we allow fear to tear us apart?