Canada must not give in to gangsterism.
The instinct to concede to power is one of humanity’s greatest weaknesses. It is particularly unsuited to the times in which we find ourselves, when human rights are upheld in many legal codes and when arbitrary state power is limited, meaning the cost, at least in most democratic countries, of standing up to the government is lower than it has been throughout much of history.
We see this in the fact that those who, theoretically, have the best reason to concede to power are, on the battlefields of Ukraine, showing the kind of heroic resistance that exemplifies the greatest strength of the human spirit: The willingness to defy tyranny even at grave personal risk.
Sadly, this willingness is lacking in many who face little to no direct danger at all. We see this in Canada, in the voices who continue to demand surrender to the irrational whims of a U.S. President who has proven to be a poor faith negotiator, and who often acts like a gangster using threats and extortion to get his way.
Good faith concessions from Canada have been met with further tariffs and further threats of economic damage. And as you surely remember, these threats are being made by a U.S. President who seeks to strip Canadians of our sovereignty in order to satisfy his territorial ambitions.
In response, some on the Canadian right have abandoned the love of country and willingness to stand up for their nation that is among the most valuable and laudable aspects of conservatism, in order to relentlessly blame Canada for Trump’s economic assaults on our nation. They have, in their hearts, their minds, and their souls, surrendered to either their fear of Trump or their greed for more power at the expense of their fellow Canadians.
Mitch Proctor has referred to these individuals as “the Vichy wing of Canadian conservatism,” and the name fits.
Ultimately, the actions of those who counsel surrender do not change the fact that the time for more Canadian concessions has long passed. Canada must stand firm, recognize that we are dealing with gangsterism, and focus our efforts on building our own national strength, standing with democratic allies around the globe as well as Americans who reject Trump’s dishonest approach, and, most importantly, stiffening our spines and keeping our elbows up rather than giving in to fear.
Spencer Fernando
I write for a Canada that defends itself, governs itself, builds boldly, and stands with its democratic friends. If you want that case made week after week, support the work. For $8 a month on Patreon, you get the full-length essays behind these short pieces, and the complete archive.