As someone deeply invested in the social and political fabric of Canada, I have been increasingly concerned about a troubling trend that seems to be gaining traction. The political landscape in Canada is being reshaped by populist activities, with leaders across the spectrum indulging in tactics that cater to vote banks drawn principally along religious and ethnic lines. This rise in tribalism is especially disconcerting for many immigrants, like myself, who came to Canada to escape such divisive dynamics. We sought a society where “us versus them” didn’t dominate the narrative, but now, it seems, we are at risk of losing the very essence of what it means to be Canadian.

In recent years, Canadian politics has seen a surge in populist rhetoric. Leaders are increasingly pandering to specific groups to secure votes, often at the expense of national unity. This approach is not unique to Canada, as many countries worldwide grapple with similar issues. However, the impact on our multicultural society could be profound. By focusing on the differences among us rather than our shared values, we risk deepening divisions that many immigrants thought they had left behind.

For countless immigrants, Canada represented a beacon of hope—a place where they could build a better life free from the societal rifts they experienced in their home countries. The promise of a society where people are judged by their contributions rather than their backgrounds is a significant draw. This vision of inclusivity and acceptance is at the heart of what it means to be Canadian. But as tribalism takes root, this promise feels increasingly fragile.

Canada has long been celebrated as a mosaic, not a melting pot. This distinction is crucial. In a mosaic, each piece retains its unique identity while contributing to a beautiful, cohesive whole. Our shared values—respect for diversity, inclusiveness, and social justice—have been the glue that holds this mosaic together. However, there is a growing concern that we are shifting away from this model. More and more, individuals are identifying themselves primarily by their ethnic or religious group rather than as Canadians. This shift threatens to weaken the social fabric that has made Canada strong.

The rifts that we are starting to see in society and the quiet discontentment taking root in individuals and families are matters of grave concern for a committed and proud Canadian like myself. People who left their homes and lives behind to be part of something new and unique in Canada are increasingly expressing a sense of disbelief about what they have found here. The vote bank politics, dictated by the realities of ridings whose political fate is decided by swing votes, has led to a policy of appeasement that is unprecedented both in its origin and its intent.

One of the most alarming aspects of this trend is the way in which individuals and groups who swear by violence as a means to achieve their political, communal, or religious aspirations are not just being tolerated but often felicitated by political leaders. These leaders, whose job it is to ensure that every Canadian lives without the threat of violence, either in their life or in the lives of those back in their home country, are failing us. The lack of tolerance shows in the protests that we see on a daily basis about things that should invite dialogue, but instead inspire angry opposition. People who invoke and deploy violence are loudly heralded as “leaders,” creating a dangerous precedent that undermines the very foundations of our society.

We know, both from experience and through observation, that populist leaders often exploit divisions within society to gain power, undermining democratic norms in the process. This tactic can be particularly damaging in multicultural societies like Canada, where the strength lies in unity amidst diversity. It’s essential to recognize that these divisions, if left unchecked, can erode the very fabric of our democracy and societal harmony.

I believe another critical aspect is the lack of a holistic approach towards inclusivity in our immigration policy. Since the start of the crisis in the Middle East around 2010, Canada has experienced a high influx of refugees. While the political class grabbed onto this with both hands to advance their rhetoric and secure a larger portion of the immigrant vote bank under the guise of being all-inclusive, I get a feeling that the bureaucracy was unprepared for the challenge and did not have a clear view of how these developments were going to shape the future of this country. I am 100% in favor of opening our doors, and our hearts, to refugees. After all, it is both a Canadian tradition, and I believe a Canadian responsibility, to do the necessary to support those who need to escape persecution and find safety. While it is great to bring in refugees, focused attention also needs to be brought to the design and development of the infrastructure that can support them in getting jobs, educating their children, and assimilating into society. Infrastructure issues, one may contend, were always present but I believe that they have become more profound with the recent stress experienced by the Canadian economy because of the multiple global conflicts and the pandemic.

So, what can we do to address this growing challenge? It starts with leadership. We need leaders who prioritize unity and inclusiveness over divisive politics. Leaders who understand that the strength of our nation lies in our ability to come together despite our differences. Community engagement is also crucial. We must actively participate in dialogues that bridge gaps and foster understanding among diverse groups.

On a personal level, each of us has a role to play. We can start by examining our biases and making a conscious effort to see beyond ethnic and religious labels. By building relationships with people from different backgrounds, we can strengthen the bonds that unite us as Canadians.

The road ahead is not without its challenges, but I believe in the resilience of Canadian society. We have a unique opportunity to reaffirm the values that make Canada a beacon of hope for people around the world. By embracing our shared humanity and working together, we can ensure that Canada remains a place where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels a sense of belonging.

As we navigate these shifting sands, let’s remember what it means to be Canadian. It’s not about where we come from, but the values we hold and the future we build together.

Let’s rise above the divisions and create a Canada that lives up to its promise – a Canada where everyone can proudly say, “I am Canadian.”