CANADALAND Canada Takes Its Comedians For Granted
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Sep 24, 2025 Rahim Mohamed, a columnist for the National Post, dives into the political landscape of comedy in Canada. He discusses the implications of Jimmy Kimmel's suspension on free speech and examines why Canadian comedy seems less vibrant. The duo explores the historical significance of satire against authoritarianism, the challenges Canadian comedians face, and the brain drain of talent to the U.S. They also touch upon the rising camaraderie between Quebec and Alberta separatists in today’s political climate.
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Comedy As Democratic Defense
- Comedy serves as an early bulwark against authoritarianism and propaganda, historically used to expose hypocrisy.
- The Jimmy Kimmel suspension raises fears about how political pressure can chill satire and free speech.
Different Legal And Political Contexts
- U.S. litigation culture and Trump's thin skin make American comedians more vulnerable to legal and political pressure.
- Canada has less litigation and different political personalities, so the chilling effect may be weaker here.
Platform Economics Favor U.S. Comedy
- Streaming and podcast decentralization let U.S. platforms dominate cultural conversation, limiting Canadian breakout hits.
- That winner-take environment makes it hard for Canadian political comedy to scale internationally.