Emmett perfectly described how Canada is at a very dangerous point in its history. Unfortunately, the vast majority of Canadians don't have a clue what crisis we are facing.
I just wish I knew how to de-cult the MAGAs around me.
Indeed, a prime minister Poilievre premier Ford and premier Smith would not only see Canada more americanized, privatized but more Trumpian. They will deregulate...deregulate even our baking system which Carney knows prevented Canada from the worst effects of the 2008 financial crises.
I'm glad Emmett cites the work Environics has been doing, gauging Canadians' attitudes over time. The MAGA movement in Canada grew somewhat since 2020, so it's worth keeping a close eye on in the coming years. But, I'm gratified that even in Conservative provinces like Alberta, Trump is not the preferred candidate. But, as Emmett points out, pride in our country seems to, er, trump any suggestion that we be absorbed into the American experiment. Quebec certainly proves that point.
Worth considering that for the provinces, easier economic & personal connections with US neighbours, especially under free trade, also hampered relations with each other & the Federal gov't, but Trump's damage to those North-South bonds has presented an opportunity to renew the East-West relationship across Canada.
One problem with our federation that you did not mention (which I understand, because it's not relevant to the point of this essay) is that the provinces pass the buck down as well as up. Cities do not have a firm independent status; they are creations of the provinces. Municipal politicians are de facto provincial employees who happen to be hired by an electoral process. In principle, the electoral process ought to select politicians who understand and implement the preferences of the electorate; in practice, it serves just as much to deflect blame for provincial policies constraining municipal actions and the tools available to implement them. Ford wouldn't be able to blame Chow for problems he creates if he had hired her outright.
The ideals of maga were a trump precursor. We need to focus on defanging maga and its ideology. Let them happily swim together in their swamp far away from the beaches of actual power.
Emmett perfectly described how Canada is at a very dangerous point in its history. Unfortunately, the vast majority of Canadians don't have a clue what crisis we are facing.
I just wish I knew how to de-cult the MAGAs around me.
As a Canadian Albertan I thank you for your writing.
Another Emmett masterpiece. I almost think we SHOULD pay for these articles! LOL
Thanks! I hope it never comes to that (so long as I don't ever lose my day job!).
Conservatives may just sink the ship
Indeed, a prime minister Poilievre premier Ford and premier Smith would not only see Canada more americanized, privatized but more Trumpian. They will deregulate...deregulate even our baking system which Carney knows prevented Canada from the worst effects of the 2008 financial crises.
I'm glad Emmett cites the work Environics has been doing, gauging Canadians' attitudes over time. The MAGA movement in Canada grew somewhat since 2020, so it's worth keeping a close eye on in the coming years. But, I'm gratified that even in Conservative provinces like Alberta, Trump is not the preferred candidate. But, as Emmett points out, pride in our country seems to, er, trump any suggestion that we be absorbed into the American experiment. Quebec certainly proves that point.
In a recent poll, %18 of Alberta respondents indicated a positive response to joint the USA as the 51st state.
Unfortunately, most of them are already in government. The rest are members of the Takeback Alberta movement.
https://angusreid.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/523.png
Worth considering that for the provinces, easier economic & personal connections with US neighbours, especially under free trade, also hampered relations with each other & the Federal gov't, but Trump's damage to those North-South bonds has presented an opportunity to renew the East-West relationship across Canada.
Well said!
One problem with our federation that you did not mention (which I understand, because it's not relevant to the point of this essay) is that the provinces pass the buck down as well as up. Cities do not have a firm independent status; they are creations of the provinces. Municipal politicians are de facto provincial employees who happen to be hired by an electoral process. In principle, the electoral process ought to select politicians who understand and implement the preferences of the electorate; in practice, it serves just as much to deflect blame for provincial policies constraining municipal actions and the tools available to implement them. Ford wouldn't be able to blame Chow for problems he creates if he had hired her outright.
The ideals of maga were a trump precursor. We need to focus on defanging maga and its ideology. Let them happily swim together in their swamp far away from the beaches of actual power.