Extremism in Canada

Unpublished Cafe

The 3-week occupation of downtown Ottawa has dissipated. What began as a ‘trucker convoy’ against vaccine mandates was co-opted by some extremists, such as the ones waving the Nazi and Confederate flags. They were dubbed “a few bad apples” among a peaceful protest, which was anything but peaceful. It also shone a light on a troubling aspect of Canada—that extremism is alive and well here. What will it take to stop it?

The world got a glimpse inside the power of extremism during the January 6th insurrection at the US Capitol. For the residents of downtown Ottawa, the occupation of their neighborhoods felt eerily similar. Canadians, at least on the world stage, like to promote our tolerance for everyone, but that is an illusion. Hate grows here too.

Our Unpublished Vote question asks:

Do you feel “extremism” is on the rise in Canada?

• Yes
• No
• Unsure

Unpublished.ca

Listen to the podcast, read the articles, cast your vote, email your MP to tell them why, and then take a moment to check out the new Unpublished.ca portal for politics and current affairs in Canada, as we roll it out one section at a time in the coming weeks.

Podcast Guests:

1. Barbara Perry, Professor Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Ontario Tech University;
2. Stephanie Carvin, Associate Professor of International Relations at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs