Now the world thinks Canadian social policies are the ‘edge of crazy’
Aug 19, 2024
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Tristin Hopper, a journalist with insights into Canadian social policies, delves into Canada's drastic shift in reputation from a model nation to a cautionary tale. He discusses the alarming rise in overdose deaths linked to ineffective drug decriminalization and critiques the controversial assisted suicide policies that leave vulnerable populations at risk. Hopper emphasizes the dangers of public apathy toward creeping extreme policies and advocates for a moderate revolution to reclaim Canada's balanced approach. Engaging and thought-provoking!
Canada has shifted from being an admired model for immigration and social policies to a cautionary tale due to radicalization.
The liberalization of assisted suicide in Canada has raised ethical concerns, prompting other countries to reconsider their own policies cautiously.
Deep dives
Canada as a Cautionary Example
Canada is now viewed as a cautionary tale by other nations, particularly regarding its immigration policies and social issues that have become more radicalized. Once a country admired for its immigration system and various policy successes, Canada has faced scrutiny for its recent direction, particularly in drug policies and assisted suicide. International discussions now feature Canada as an example of what not to do, highlighting how quickly a good system can deteriorate. With incidents reflecting poorly on Canada, such as the liberalization of assisted suicide practices, many countries are reconsidering their approaches based on Canada's experiences.
Failures in Drug Policy
Canada's approach to drug decriminalization and harm reduction has led to grave outcomes, including a significant rise in overdose deaths. While initially inspired by Portugal's successful model, Canada's version lacked stringent measures against drug dealing and did not prioritize treatment effectively, resulting in widespread availability of drugs without accountability. The country now ranks among the highest for overdose deaths globally, with statistics that highlight how its drug policies have dramatically worsened the situation. This example showcases how Canada has taken extreme positions that are often more damaging than beneficial.
Assisted Suicide and Its Repercussions
The liberalization of assisted suicide in Canada has raised numerous ethical concerns and instances of abuse, prompting other countries to tread carefully when considering similar policies. Initially welcomed for its compassionate approach, the system evolved to include cases that raised alarms, such as individuals seeking assisted death due to financial stress or lack of housing. As reports and testimonies reveal troubling instances tied to the assisted suicide program, Canada is now cited around the world as an example of what could go wrong without proper safeguards. Consequently, nations looking to create their own systems are using Canada’s experience as a warning sign.
Decline in Government Efficiency
Historically known for its efficiency, Canada's government services have seen a notable decline, affecting citizens' daily lives and basic functions like passport issuance. Once capable of delivering passports in just a few days, Canadians now experience delays that can stretch into months, highlighting a broader failure within governmental systems. This deterioration contrasts starkly with the past when government operations were generally reliable and effective. A growing sentiment among citizens indicates a deep-seated frustration with how public services have changed and the inability to regain previous standards of efficiency.
Not long ago, our practical, moderate approaches were considered exemplars that countries around the world tried to emulate. But as Postmedia’s Tristin Hopper discusses with Brian this week, in just a few years Canada went from paragon to cautionary tale. A model of how one should definitely not handle drug policy, euthanasia, housing, online censorship, gender policy, immigration, and more. Sure, some of this is the work of an activist federal government, Hopper says — but not all of it. Social-policy extremists have infiltrated myriad levels of Canadian policy-making. Ending the havoc might take more than a change in government, he predicts. It may require a new quiet revolution led by a (still-moderate) Canadian majority. (Recorded July 29, 2024)