

Inside Canada's Laurentian Elite w/ Black Horse
Apr 7, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Black Horse, a Canadian political analyst and writer, unpacks the influence of Canada's Laurentian Elite. He delves into their historical roots, social networks, and the profound impact of bilingualism on class mobility. The conversation also touches on the elite's declining power due to recent social shifts and trade liberalization. With insights on how changing demographics and policies shape today's political landscape, Black Horse offers a thought-provoking exploration of elite dynamics in modern Canada.
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Canada's Elite-Based Parties
- Canada's political parties represent distinct regional and economic elites rather than mere ideological differences.
- This results in real political competition but with localized, group-based interests.
Origins of Laurentian Elite
- The Laurentian elite rose from 19th-century Anglophone industrialists between Toronto and Montreal.
- They shifted Canada away from British influence and redefined its national identity mid-20th century.
Canada’s Political Fractures
- Two major fractures shaped modern Canadian politics: Quebecois nationalism and Western Canada's backlash against Eastern elites.
- The Western elite fractured after Trudeau's National Energy Policy threatened oil interests, fueling lasting divisions.