Why Divisive Politics Will Hurt Canada: A Centrist Perspective on Conservative Tactics
Canada has long been admired for its ability to foster inclusivity, cooperation, and pragmatic policymaking. However, in recent years, divisive politics have taken root, threatening the very fabric of our democracy. While all major parties engage in political strategy, the Conservative Party of Canada has increasingly employed tactics that deepen national divides, pitting regions, demographics, and ideologies against each other. As Centrists, we believe that these approaches harm the country’s unity and progress.
The Rise of Polarization
Political polarization is not new, but in recent years, the Conservative Party has amplified it through fear-based rhetoric and wedge issues. Rather than presenting balanced policy solutions, they have focused on exploiting cultural grievances and economic anxieties to rally their base. This tactic not only alienates Canadians with differing views but also erodes trust in the democratic process.
One clear example is their approach to climate policy. Instead of engaging in meaningful discussions about transitioning to a sustainable economy while protecting jobs, they frame climate action as an attack on the oil and gas industry, stoking resentment between urban and rural Canadians. This narrative discourages compromise and prevents the country from adopting practical, long-term solutions.
Exploiting Regional Divides
Canada is a diverse country, with unique challenges and needs in each province and territory. Rather than fostering unity, the Conservative Party has increasingly leaned into regional grievances to gain political traction. Whether it’s stoking Western alienation or portraying Ontario and Quebec as out-of-touch elites, these tactics deepen divisions rather than bridging them.
For instance, by constantly pushing the idea of a “war on Alberta” regarding federal environmental policies, they ignore the reality that many Albertans support green energy initiatives and diversification. This type of rhetoric prevents constructive national dialogue and fuels resentment rather than solutions.
Culture Wars and Social Division
The Conservative Party has also borrowed from American-style culture wars to rally support. By framing issues such as diversity, LGBTQ+ rights, and reconciliation with Indigenous communities as ideological battlegrounds, they turn fundamental human rights into partisan debates. This not only sidelines meaningful progress but also exacerbates social division, making it harder to find common ground.
A prime example is their resistance to comprehensive Indigenous reconciliation efforts. While other parties have worked toward truth and reconciliation, Conservative rhetoric often downplays the need for systemic change, framing such efforts as unnecessary or even divisive themselves. This approach is both harmful and counterproductive to national healing.
The Cost to Canada’s Future
Divisive politics do not serve Canada’s long-term interests. They weaken our ability to address major challenges such as economic inequality, climate change, and healthcare reform. When politicians prioritize division over cooperation, they create a cycle of distrust that makes it harder for any government to govern effectively.
As Centrists, we believe in solutions that unite rather than divide. Our country is strongest when we bring diverse perspectives together, find common ground, and work toward policies that benefit all Canadians. Especially in times of challenge such as Trumps tariff war, we should be working together with elbows up. Instead politicians and political parties are fuelling regional and cultural divisions for political gain, we must focus on pragmatic governance that considers the needs of all citizens, not just partisan interests.
The future of Canada depends on rejecting the politics of division and embracing collaboration. The Centrist Party of Canada stands for a better way forward—one that unites, rather than fractures, our nation.