Are We Losing the Middle Ground?
ARTICLE #28 OF "ASK THE QUESTIONS"
-OPINION-
The state of Canadian politics today can often feel like a tug-of-war between two increasingly extreme factions—one on the left and one on the right. On both ends of the political spectrum, radicalism has risen to the forefront, casting a long shadow over mainstream discourse. We hear it from the far-left “progressives,” who push an agenda of radical social changes, and from the far-right, where extremists cling to dangerous, divisive rhetoric. But here's the reality neither side wants to admit: extremism doesn’t just harm one side of the political spectrum—it hurts everyone. Both liberals and conservatives alike are being dragged into a culture of division that leaves little room for the moderate voices that truly represent the majority of Canadians.
Over the last few years, we’ve seen the far-left gain an increasing amount of control in the Liberal Party and other progressive movements. Progressive movements are pushing agendas that have nothing to do with practical, workable solutions for Canada’s problems. Instead, they push radical social and economic reforms that alienate even moderate Liberals and make the party seem out of touch with the reality most Canadians face every day.
From the rise of “defund the police” to calls for open borders, these radical ideas are becoming increasingly mainstream within the left wing of Canadian politics. But the truth is, these policies are not popular with the vast majority of Canadians.
Moreover, the left’s obsession with “woke” culture has reached a point where it is no longer about advocating for tolerance and inclusion—it’s about enforcing a uniform worldview. Free speech, which is a cornerstone of Canadian society, has been increasingly under threat by people who seek to silence anyone who disagrees with them. Universities, once considered a place for free exchange of ideas, have become breeding grounds for intolerance. If you don't align with a very specific set of progressive ideals, you risk being canceled or even ostracized from your community. This ideological purity test that has taken over the left is not just damaging to those who are targeted—it undermines the very principles of freedom and democracy that our country was founded on.
The far-left has also seized the language of identity politics, creating divisions where there should be unity. Instead of bringing people together based on shared values, the left now often defines people by their race, gender, or sexuality in a way that promotes division rather than unity. The radical left constantly frames every issue in terms of “us versus them,” further polarizing the country and making it harder to engage in honest, respectful debate. We no longer see people as individuals but as members of a group that must be pitied, patronized, or vilified depending on where they fall on the political spectrum which is just… insane.
But what the left fails to understand is that these radical ideas do not represent the majority of Canadians. Most people—liberal or conservative—want sensible solutions to the country’s problems, not radical transformations. When the far-left dominates the narrative, the Liberal Party risks losing touch with the voters who used to support it, making it harder to win elections and implement meaningful change.
On the other side of the political spectrum however, the rise of far-right extremism has been just as damaging. Conservative values are rooted in tradition, personal responsibility, and limited government—but when these ideals are hijacked by radical extremists, the results are disastrous.
In recent years, we’ve seen conspiracy theories flourish within certain far-right circles. Some have rejected the legitimate outcomes of elections, believing in unfounded claims of voter fraud. Others have rallied around an anti-government ideology that borders on anarchy, dismissing the very institutions that ensure our nation’s stability and success.
Far-right extremists also engage in dangerous and divisive rhetoric that paints anyone who disagrees with them as a threat to national security or Canadian values. They create false dichotomies, framing the entire political debate as a battle for survival, where compromise is seen as weakness and moderation is viewed with suspicion. This rhetoric creates an environment where people are afraid to speak out, fearing that they will be labeled as traitors to the cause or enemies of the state if they don’t align with the most radical views.
Moreover, the far-right has been guilty of stoking fear and paranoia about immigration, globalization, and multiculturalism. The border is an important problem, though when extremism makes it into a “them versus us” mentality, fostering hostility and resentment, even among people who share common goals, then we’re just the same as the radical extremists of the left.
Really, when radicalism takes over on both sides of the political spectrum, the consequences are disastrous for everyone. The extreme wings of both parties have the ability to set the tone for political discourse, but their influence is not reflective of the majority of Canadians who want reasonable, effective solutions to the issues facing the country. Instead, we get constant division, where every issue becomes an ideological battle, and compromise is seen as a sign of weakness rather than strength.
This division doesn’t just make it harder to pass legislation—it undermines trust in our institutions and erodes the public’s confidence in the political process. When both sides engage in extremism, the middle ground—the space where the majority of Canadians live—becomes increasingly difficult to find. Politicians, too scared to take a stand in the middle, pander to the extreme wings of their parties, abandoning their duty to represent the best interests of their constituents.
Moreover, extremism just leads to violence and chaos. From violent protests in the streets to the rise of politically motivated acts of terrorism, both left-wing and right-wing extremists have engaged in dangerous behaviour that puts the safety of everyday Canadians at risk. These acts of violence only deepen the divide, creating a vicious cycle of retaliation and further polarization.
It’s time for both sides to realize that extremism does not serve literally anyone’s interests. Whether you’re on the left or the right, we all share a common goal: a better Canada. But that will not happen through division and chaos. It will only happen if we can return to reason, compromise.
Moderates, those voices who are willing to find common ground and engage in constructive dialogue, are the ones who can bring this country back together. We need to stop allowing the radicals on both ends of the political spectrum to dominate the conversation. Not to say not to be firm on your beliefs, but always be open to new opinions. Don’t have to agree with any of them, but blowing up with chaos won’t solve any issue. The far-left and the far-right might get the headlines, but the majority of Canadians—liberals, conservatives, independents—want to be heard. They want solutions, not soundbites; dialogue, not division.
Let’s reject extremism in all its forms, whether it comes from the far-left or the far-right. Let’s put Canada first, by coming together, finding common ground, and rebuilding the trust and unity that make this country great. Extremism may be loud because, really, it is…. but it’s time to let reason and common sense speak for the majority.