It’s on all of us to curb anti-democratic trends

Efforts to support democracy internationally, particularly through trade and diplomatic relations, are essential. However, without substantial and ongoing domestic investment in democracy in Canada, we remain vulnerable to the same threats at home that we fight abroad and limit our credibility in supporting international efforts. Democracy was repeatedly cited throughout the 2022 Fall Economic Statement (FES) as a deep concern, particularly as it relates to foreign affairs, trade, and development, and the promotion of democratic values abroad. By contrast, within Canadian borders, we have a serious gap between policy and practice. In fact, there was no new investment at all in FES 2022 for the promotion of democratic values, practices, or the strengthening of our institutions at home. The next federal budget must address this gap if we are to combat the global anti-democratic trends which are taking root in Canada. Samantha Reusch is executive director of Apathy is Boring. Photograph courtesy of Samantha Reusch Recently, an alarming number of news reports have demonstrated increasing foreign efforts to undermine Canadian government officials, elections, and media. Our blindspot towards our own vulnerabilities leaves us even more exposed. We know that a substantial number of Canadians are being left out and excluded from our democracy. This provides an opportunity to exacerbate feelings of disenfranchisement if we do not work towards reducing them. In FES 2022, there is substantial acknowledgement, rightfully, of the economic challenges that we are facing as a country. However, the burden of these challenges on our capacity to participate and have faith in collective governance, an unfortunate and well-studied side effect of inequality and economic downturn, are unacknowledged and, most importantly, unaccounted for. Over the next year, the effects of rising costs will inevitably place more barriers between Canadians and their democracy. Meanwhile, Canadians, particularly youth, are lonelier, more disconnected, and have even lower trust in their governments, traditional media, and their neighbours than before. According to a jointly released report from the United Nations and The Body Shop (Be Seen Be Heard: Understanding young people’s political participation), eight in 10 youth in Canada think political systems need drastic reforms to be a fit for the future. Research from Apathy is Boring and Abacus Data also found that less than half of youth in Canada feel our country is moving in the right direction. We have not yet seen these trends slow, nevermind reverse. There is potential for these trends to worsen before they get better. For groups like Apathy is Boring to continue our work engaging young people in our democracy, we need long-term investment in civil society organizations that can bridge the gap between the day-to-day lived experiences of citizens and provide a pathway towards advocating for themselves and their communities. Habon Ali is the president and chair of Apathy is Boring. Photograph courtesy of Habon Ali A strong democracy requires a massive amount of skilled human capital. Beyond electoral participation, it requires convening, organizing, listening, learning, mentorship, time, and patience. This can happen on behalf of our country’s private sector, too: beauty retailer The Body Shop is one example of a brand equipping young people with skills and resources to participate in democracy through their “Be Seen. Be Heard.” campaign. The human labour required to self-govern goes beyond simply sending representatives to various legislatures: it requires our time, effort, and ongoing attention—all diminished by increasing economic and social pressures. It also requires us to trust that our efforts and patience will be rewarded with a better future that reflects, to the best of our ability, our shared values and concerns. Programs and initiatives that are context-dependent, local, and plentiful provide alternatives to the digital divide and our growing polarization through action and collective power. We can stem skepticism about democracy’s ability to address the challenges we face and provide an alternative to despair. Democracy is a cause worth fighting for and investing in, both here and abroad. We understand that times are difficult, and that public spending must be economized to address inflation and other economic challenges. All that we ask is that spending is not economized at the cost of the very system that enables this government and every government since 1867 to govern in the first place—Canadian democracy itself. To safeguard against foreign interference, disinformation, and every other threat to Canada’s system of governance, we must invest in democracy here at home. Samantha Reusch is executive director and Habon Ali is the president and chair of Apathy is Boring, a national charity that supports and educates youth to be active and contributing citizens in Canada's democracy. The Hill Times