Article content

Populism is on everyone’s lips these days.

In his new book, Stephen Harper warns that unless we address the underlying grievances that lead to populism, we risk Trumpian consequences or worse. In Ontario, Doug Ford railed against a court decision that opposed the will of an elected government. And closer to home, premier-designate François Legault’s Coalition Avenir Québec has swept to victory on a populist wave of change.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Opinion: Religious discrimination violates Canada's treaty obligations Back to video

A central plank of populist politics is how to maintain “our” national identity. The CAQ has proposed a ban on wearing signs of religion that would apply to people in positions of authority, including teachers and police officers.

Legault threatens to invoke the notwithstanding clause to avoid the inevitable (and likely successful) court challenges that will ensue under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Legault claims that he is justified because “the majority of Quebecers agree.”