Hub Podcasts Andrew Coyne on why Canada may not be a democracy
Jul 28, 2025
Andrew Coyne, a prominent columnist for The Globe and Mail and author of 'The Crisis of Canadian Democracy,' dives deep into Canada’s democratic landscape. He critiques the overwhelming power of the Prime Minister's Office and the decreasing influence of Members of Parliament. Coyne discusses the accountability issues in party leadership and how they relate to political engagement. He also addresses the urgent housing crisis while advocating for essential reforms to make Canadian democracy more representative and inclusive. A thought-provoking listen!
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Canada's Democracy Falls Short
- Canada meets formal election procedures but fails deeper democratic standards.
- The government lacks true accountability and MPs are heavily controlled by party leaders.
Prime Minister's Overwhelming Power
- The Canadian prime minister wields near-dictatorial power unrivaled globally.
- Powers include vast appointment authority and control over MPs and government procedure.
Large Cabinets Weaken Governance
- Cabinets have grown excessively large, weakening their deliberative function.
- Ministers have become placeholders and rarely influence policy meaningfully.
