ROBIN ADAIR
VANCOUVER ISLAND – Boy, is 2025 ever blowing in fiercely and forcefully. This month Donald Trump will again occupy the White House and already Canada’s economic stability is being shaken by Republican threats of high tariffs and punishing trade measures. This new President comes off as an angry bully playing to his base by putting America first and foremost, no matter the damage caused to its nearest neighbours. On the eve of his inauguration this strategy seems to be working – his supporters (and there are many) are lapping it up.
North of the border, we are also witnessing the collapse of the centre-left as the once formidable federal Liberal Party bottoms out in opinion polls, with many Canadians across the land demanding substantive change. There’s no question that Justin Trudeau and company have worn out their welcome and hope springs eternal that a shift to Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative Party will deliver fresh ideas to fire up the economy while at the same time restoring traditional Canadian values.
So, the question comes, who are these people demanding change and why are they so angry about the status quo? It seems pretty clear that most voters are receptive to promises to open up resource development, raise average incomes and lower taxes. But what is causing this seismic political shift?
Well, I believe an increasing number of people feel shut out by the prosperity created by multinational corporations and market globalization. Up until the late 1970’s, most Canadians could share in a booming economy with plenty of good-paying jobs that didn’t require a higher education. Resource towns boasted some of the highest per capita incomes in the country and blue-collar workers were assured a strong working wage. But free trade encouraged multinationals to move jobs and factories to other countries which dramatically grew profits for the executive class – while earnings at the bottom steadily dropped.
So, what has been the remedy offered by successive progressive governments to average voters? The mantra from the university-educated elite to the blue-collar majority seems to be, ‘If you want to compete and win in the global economy go to college’. “What you earn will depend on what you learn.” “You can make it if you try!” This was all well and fine, but to the ears of many working people it sounds more like “If you’re struggling and didn’t get a degree, the fact that you are falling behind is your fault”. Considering two-thirds of Canadians don’t have a university education, it’s no wonder that many average Canadians feel insulted and looked down upon.
Thus, the message of the federal Conservative Party finds growing support from average people who are encouraged that change can come that doesn’t just benefit those at the top. Increasingly, Canadians yearn for a more equitable society which encourages industry, entrepreneurship and rdevelopment while at the same time ensuring that housing is affordable and health care is obtainable. There’s also a yearning to embrace shared values and traditions and stop the force feeding of political correctness and woke-ism fueled by the liberal elite.
While it’s simplistic, the simple slogan of “Axe the Tax” has taken hold of people’s imaginations because most Canadians believe that the government wastes money and opportunities, and needs to be reigned in. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre recognizes this and wastes no opportunity to promise what the people want. The Conservatives stand for change, borrowing some of the traditions of the past while developing fresh strategies to reinvigorate the economy and give every citizen recognition and respect for their contribution to society. And this challenge lands squarely at the feet of the Liberals and New Democrats to retrieve the support they once had from average citizens. Their bedrock of support has clearly moved and they must also move with the times.
Globalization leading to diminished earnings for average voters has brought us the Trumps and the Poilievres. They have risen because that status quo is simply unacceptable. What happens in the next few years could determine our future for many decades to come. We’re crossing our fingers that there’s still time to make a correction and return to a steady course.
Robin Adair is Co-Host Victoria Rumble Room, a current events video podcast attracting a cumulative audience of over 2 million views. Adair worked as a TV and radio reporter, anchor and commentator for 25 years including 17 years at CHEK TV in Victoria. Later a government relation consultant, conference coordinator Adair also served as a political pundit and media commentator. Always community minded, he was the Chair of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce (2006) and Chair of Camosun College Board of Governors (2008). In 2010 he served as the General Manager of Communications and Protocol for the City of Vancouver during the Winter Olympic Games. For these past three years Robin Adair has produced and co-hosted Victoria Rumble Room, a current events video podcast attracting a cumulative audience of over 2 million views.
