Learning from the U.S. Election: Why Canada Needs Real Solutions, Not Slogans

America has just re-elected a president who, despite his impeachments, criminal convictions, racially divisive rhetoric, and an unprecedented incitement of a Capitol assault, convinced enough Americans to overlook all of it. Why? Because his message connected with their everyday struggles and offered a rhetorical balm to their frustrations. When faced with this choice, a small majority opted for someone who, however flawed, they believed “gets it.”

At the same time, the message of his opponent, Kamala Harris, failed to address a deep, pressing need for unity and understanding. Instead, her populist approach targeted Trump’s character, condemning him as a threat without truly addressing why he resonates with millions. And yet, here we have Harris—a leader complicit in supporting a genocidal campaign against Palestinians, where hundreds of thousands of innocents have perished—positioning herself as the moral superior. For many, it felt empty and unconvincing.

This election in the U.S. has shown us something essential: it’s not enough to call out your opponent’s flaws or divisive actions. Leaders must also address the realities people face, from basic survival to an erosion of hope.

Although I lost my nomination vote in Edmonton Manning, I will continue to do my part to ensure that we don’t lose the part of us that is essential to being Canadian: our decency, our empathy, and our commitment to looking out for one another.

We cannot afford to hand Pierre Poilievre the reins of government just because he’s good at slogans and attacks. Populist rhetoric alone doesn’t solve the affordability crisis or bring dignity to hard-working Canadians trying to make ends meet. Here’s the truth about Pierre Poilievre—he’s a career politician who’s spent two decades in Ottawa without real-life experience outside of politics. He doesn’t know what it’s like to use a calculator at the grocery store or lose sleep at night trying to decide which bills to pay. He’s never worried about filling up his gas tank in $20 increments. While Poilievre may lack real policy substance, people are feeling the pain of a cost of living crisis and are willing to bet on him, hoping he will be their voice in Ottawa. Canadians deserve leadership grounded in decency and compassion—leadership that says, “I understand, and I am working to help everyone,” instead of hollow attacks or divisive slogans.

And, honestly, this isn’t the Conservative Party I once voted for. It’s not the Conservative Party my parents believed in either. I barely recognize it. In Question Period, it’s become a performance, a mockery of what we need in Parliament. All we see are laughs and jeers, with little substance behind the rhetoric. Surely Canadians deserve a more decent, serious, and committed approach to leadership?

I get why people appreciate Pierre Poilievre—many see him as a voice pushing back against a Liberal government they perceive as dismissive, perhaps even elitist. Poilievre resonates with those who feel overlooked, giving a voice to frustrations and hardships they believe have been ignored. His approach taps into real, widespread discontent, and that’s something we can’t ignore. Populism 101. But while populist rhetoric can highlight the pain points, it cannot, by itself, solve them. Canadians deserve leadership that goes beyond slogans, addressing the deeper issues and prioritizing unity, fairness, and accountability.

In the same breath that he calls for a “better Canada,” Poilievre remains silent about atrocities in Gaza; in fact, he’s called for expanding the conflict and supports Israel’s disproportionate response. This silence reflects a lack of empathy for thousands caught in one of the worst moral failures of our generation—a genocide against innocent civilians and children, with more child deaths in one year than the last five years worldwide combined. To stand with peace and humanity is the Canadian way.

And let’s not overlook his refusal to obtain top-security clearance on foreign interference investigations. If he has nothing to hide, why not be transparent? Canadians deserve a leader who is open and accountable, not one whose caucus members have questionable ties to foreign powers.

Here’s what we need to focus on as we head into 2025:

Real, Tangible Economic Solutions

Right now, millions of Canadians are barely getting by, myself included. Grocery prices are through the roof, and gas prices are preventing families from making ends meet. Real solutions, not just rhetoric, are essential. We need to tackle the affordability crisis at its root, challenge the corporate giants that control our grocery chains, and push back against the monopolies keeping prices and profits at record highs. Supporting small businesses to compete fairly with big chains will also bring real competition. This isn’t just about slogans; it’s about holding corporations accountable and prioritizing people.

Populism with Purpose: Standing for Everyday Canadians

Populism isn’t the problem; empty populism is. Our message should connect with everyday Canadians who are tired of being told “things are fine” while they’re barely staying afloat. We need to empower Canadians to stand against the powers keeping them down, including corporate interests. This kind of populism doesn’t just criticize; it inspires hope by offering a vision of a fairer, stronger Canada.

Exposing Conservative Hypocrisy and Demanding Accountability

The Conservatives talk about affordability, but they’re not willing to take on the corporations fueling the crisis. Pierre Poilievre has made his name by slinging slogans, yet he’s silent on real measures to ease the burden on working Canadians. His approach is to tear down others without offering solutions that address the real issues. It’s essential to highlight this hypocrisy and show the gap between Conservative rhetoric and Conservative action.

We must also demand accountability. If Poilievre is truly concerned with protecting Canada, he should clear the air on foreign interference. Canadians deserve a leader who is transparent and stands up for democracy—not one who deflects and dodges tough questions.

Clear, Consistent Messaging and Polished Social Media

Trump’s re-election shows that catchy slogans and constant opposition work if you keep hammering them home. Our message should be equally clear, with the added advantage of being rooted in truth. This isn’t the time for division; it’s the time to build a Canada where everyone can thrive.

To everyone advocating for these values or holding a position of leadership, now is the time to polish up your social media presence. This is the moment to keep the message strong, clear, and focused on the issues that matter most to Canadians. Let’s counter the populism of division with a populism of hope for a better Canada. Canadians need to see, over and over, that we stand for healthcare, affordability, fair wages, and a future we can all count on. They need to see leadership that rejects our abysmal stance on the plight of Palestinians, which has eroded our credibility on the world stage as a leader in the rules-based world order.

Whatever the outcome of next year’s federal election, I believe in the fundamental fairness of our democracy. Yes, there’s work to be done—we need to address the issue where elections are often decided in Eastern Canada before Western polls close. And I’m hopeful that, one day soon, we’ll see a system that’s fairer to all Canadians. Unlike the two-party system in the U.S., Canada has a third way, and that’s an opportunity worth preserving.

And that third way is the multiparty system we have. The NDP’s role in the supply-and-confidence agreement wasn’t about rubber-stamping the Liberal agenda; it was about holding the government accountable and securing gains for everyday Canadians. The party’s focus was on addressing Canadians’ real needs—lowering drug and dental costs, ensuring kids have access to meals at school, and protecting health and income supports. This is the NDP’s mission and remains separate from any partisan allegiance to the Liberal party. By pushing for Pharmacare, dental care, and a national school lunch program, the NDP tackled pressing affordability issues directly affecting millions. This was a commitment to practical, people-first solutions that provide real relief in an affordability crisis. In a system where no one party can address every need alone, constructive cooperation is vital to making progress without abandoning core values.

Call me old-fashioned, or maybe even naïve, but I truly believe Canada deserves pragmatic leadership. Leadership where we can give and take a bit from each side. Where our leaders aren’t tangled in foreign interference scandals or indifferent (or worse, encouraging) toward genocide. Where question period isn’t a mockery but a time for real debate, with an opposition that doesn’t just attack but brings solutions to the table, and a government that’s kept accountable—perhaps even a minority government, one that keeps everyone on their toes and working for the people.

Canadians are calling for change, one rooted in compassion, solutions, and real advocacy. We need to make sure the next chapter for our country is one where empathy, accountability, and fairness are front and center. It’s time to work together for the kind of Canada we all deserve.

Thank you for reading.