This dynamic unfolds against a distinctly Canadian democratic tension. Our latest research at Pollara Strategic Insights reveals a striking contradiction: Canadians strongly endorse many of the core grievances that animate populist politics—namely, distrust of elites, frustration with institutions, and a belief that politics is insufficiently responsive—while simultaneously rejecting populism as an identity, a label, or a leadership style.

The simmering instability is evident across the country, from Danielle Smith’s rocky reception amongst the party faithful in Alberta to Bonnie Crombie’s exit as leader of the provincial Liberals in Ontario to the internal disagreements constraining Québec Solidaire in Quebec to even, at the federal level, Steven Guilbeault’s dramatic resignation from Mark Carney’s cabinet.