Philosopher Jason Stanley and historian Timothy Snynder have sought to explain authoritarian impulses and politics in the United States and elsewhere and how to resist these.
- Instructor, Legal Studies and Criminology, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Nothing about Donald Trump’s second presidency bodes well for America’s allies and friends, including Canada, due to his complete disdain for international law.
The only solution to the ominous threats posed by the increasing use of the notwithstanding clause is to amend Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Canadians should learn the lessons of the U.S. and the U.K. to avoid idealizing a republic with a powerful president and at the same time acknowledge that a constitutional monarchy is no alternative.
Whatever Queen Elizabeth’s personal qualities, it’s time to determine how the monarchy fits Canada’s current situation as an independent country and its aspirations for the future.
The Canadian Constitution compels a proportionate weighing of all Charter rights against the threat of COVID-19, meaning that individual freedom is not absolute.
The trucker convoy is a sign that Canada is on the cusp of its own Jan. 6, with Conservatives taking a page from Donald Trump’s playbook.
Ontario has historically been the province in Confederation most concerned about buoying Ottawa and limiting its own relative power for the sake of national unity. Doug Ford puts that legacy at risk.
The cult of the personality surrounding Donald Trump is powerful and will be difficult to dislodge, whatever the outcome of the election in November.
Authoritative statements by esteemed officials that the rule of law has been violated no longer have political consequences. Scandals that would have ended careers only a few years ago barely register.
The progressive left should not content itself with being a junior partner in Liberal minority governments. In the next election, they should seek to propose a principled, realistic alternative.
Threats by two of Canada’s newest premiers to invoke the notwithstanding clause send a clear message to the federal Liberals: Ontario and Quebec do not play by the rules.
Ontario’s recent threat to use the notwithstanding clause to reduce the size of Toronto’s city council is a reminder that municipalities have little protection under the Constitution.
Contact Jeffrey for
- General
- Media request
- Speaking request
- Consulting / Advising
- Research collaboration
- Research supervision
- Location: Kamloops, BC
- Website
- X (formerly Twitter): @JeffreyMeyers
- Article Feed
- Joined
