“Stable” Trust in Canadian Democracy? Don’t Be Fooled – Complacency is Our Greatest Threat

While these numbers might seem reassuring on the surface, they mask a deeper, more insidious problem: complacency. We are living in a time of unprecedented global instability, where democratic norms are under attack, both from external forces and internal actors who seek to erode the very foundations of our society. To blithely accept a “stable” level of trust, without interrogating what that trust is actually based on, is to invite disaster.

Let’s be clear: “stable” doesn’t necessarily mean *high*. It simply means *not significantly lower*. Are we really patting ourselves on the back for not completely losing faith in our institutions, while those same institutions grapple with systemic issues, eroding affordability, and a growing sense of disconnect from the everyday lives of Canadians?

The poll highlights trust in elections. That’s great but ask yourself: are we doing enough to protect our electoral process from misinformation and foreign interference? Are we adequately addressing the very real concerns about voter suppression and access to the ballot box, particularly for marginalized communities? Simply trusting the *process* isn’t enough; we must actively defend its integrity.

And what about trust in Parliament? While the overall level might be “stable,” the tone and tenor of our political discourse is anything but. The increasing polarization, the constant barrage of partisan attacks, and the deliberate spread of disinformation – all contribute to a climate of cynicism that undermines public faith in the ability of our elected officials to govern effectively. How can we build a truly functional democracy when so much energy is spent tearing each other down? How can we trust each other?

Mark Carney recently warned of the dangers of economic populism. While he didn’t name names, it’s not hard to see the parallels between the rhetoric of certain political figures in Canada and the rise of authoritarianism elsewhere in the world. The siren song of simplistic solutions, scapegoating, and division is a well-worn path to political decay. “Stable” trust is useless if we aren’t vigilant against those who seek to exploit that trust for their own ends.

Complacency is the breeding ground for apathy, and apathy is the handmaiden of tyranny. We cannot afford to be lulled into a false sense of security by these poll numbers. We must demand more from our leaders, hold them accountable for their actions, and actively participate in the democratic process. We must challenge the status quo, fight for a more just and equitable society, and never take our freedoms for granted.

This isn’t about blindly trusting institutions; it’s about actively engaging with them, demanding they live up to their ideals, and working to build a better future for all Canadians. The fight for democracy is never truly won, and the price of liberty is eternal vigilance.