The Big Shift 2.0: How Canada’s Political Landscape is Transforming with Darrell Bricker

 

It’s a bit of deja vu – I remember years ago when NSB speaker and head of Ipsos Public Affairs, Darrell Bricker, shared his research and insights into the political shifts and the needs of Canadians he was picking up on in his data. Today we’re again on the precipice of that shift.  

Contributed by Theresa Beenken, CEO NSB
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Darrell Bricker saw the influence of the “Laurentian elite” – the political and cultural powerbrokers of central Canada – was waning. Meanwhile, Western Canada and immigrant-rich suburbs were ascending.

Fast forward to today, and the political and citizen landscape looks dramatically different in 3 key ways for organizations to consider as you plan for the future:

Immigration is reshaping the electorate:

Hundreds of thousands of immigrants from developing countries are arriving annually, clustering in suburban communities around Toronto and Vancouver. This demographic shift is altering the political calculus in these crucial battleground regions.

The oil and gas sector is flexing its muscles:

Alberta and Saskatchewan’s energy industry has become a major driver of the Canadian economy, increasing the political clout of Western Canada. This economic reality is challenging the traditional power balance with Central Canada.

Young voters are shifting rightward:

In a stunning reversal of historical trends, many younger voters are gravitating towards conservative parties. Economic stress, unaffordable housing, and dim prospects have left this generation feeling left behind by progressive policies.

The Liberal Party, long the voice of the Laurentian consensus, finds itself in crisis.

Perhaps most alarmingly, Canadians’ pride in their country appears to be eroding.
>>>An Ipsos poll found that 35% of citizens feel less proud to be Canadian than they did five years ago.

Read more in Darrell Bricker’s Globe and Mail article

As the political plates continue to shift, Canada faces an uncertain future.

Can a new consensus emerge to bridge the growing divides?
Or will the Big Shift 2.0 lead to a fractured federation?

Darrell Bricker explores these questions as we shape our nation for generations to come.

Ask us about bringing Darrell Bricker in to delve deeper into this trend and what it means for your industry.