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Progressives used to call themselves liberals, until U.S. right-wingers turned that word into a pejorative term. So they became progressives instead, which is vague enough to admit a broader range of affiliates, from radical left-wingers to moderate centrists and many in-between. It’s a more satisfying description at any rate, as it dismisses others as anti-progress, while reflecting the sense of moral superiority to which its proponents are so prone.

The whole point of progressivism is progress, of course. Advancement. Betterment. A steady march to the high plains of enlightenment, conveniently accompanied by prosperity and fairness for all. Those who aren’t for progress are by implication lesser individuals. Cranks. Unbelievers. People willing to sign covenants at Trinity Western University.

Progressives used to call themselves liberals, until U.S. right-wingers turned that word into a pejorative term

Justin Trudeau signed on in a big way. His 2015 campaign was one long paen to progressive propositions. There would be war on climate change, reconciliation with Indigenous Canadians, fealty to “social licence.” A Trudeau government would be inclusive, balanced and open-minded. Government actions would default to transparency and access. Fairness would be brought to the middle-class. Cynics, naysayers and pessimists of every sort would be spurned.

Photo by Jeff McIntosh / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Fortune hasn’t been kind, however. And it’s not Tories or other heretics who are causing the real trouble, but progressives themselves, and their highfalutin sense of righteous indignity.