Racism in Stephen Harper's Canada

[alcina]

This is an interesting, and somewhat frightening, read. I think Canada is at a crossroads and there seems to be a growing risk that we'll choose the wrong (ie, Right) path, especially if Harper decides to take advantage of his recent rise in popularity and call an early election.

In the post-9/11 climate … fear has been the choice propeller for rightists. And aside from that of George W. Bush, no governing administration has more adeptly harnessed fear for its own ends than Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
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Just a few months ago, Harper’s chances of reelection in next October’s general election looked slim. Currently in his second term, Harper’s Conservative Party has shoved the country’s domestic and foreign policy far to the right. Polling in September showed the party’s support at 31 percent, eclipsed by the seemingly resurgent Liberals.

But in October, two acts of political violence disrupted the status quo. First a man ran over two soldiers in Quebec, killing one; a few days later, another shot up Parliament Hill, slaying an additional soldier along the way. Just like that, the fear of “homegrown terrorism” and “radicalization” were revived in Canada, and it was time for Harper to do what he does best: exploit the moment.
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The onus is now on the broader Canadian left to organize a concerted antiracist response, or state repression will only expand.

https://www.jacobinmag.com/2014/12/racism-in-stephen-harpers-canada/

[Joe Shlabotnik]

1. I don't think that Harper is 'that' much more popular now.

Its just that his base (and mouth pieces ie Sun News) is energized, whereas Trudeau's bloom is rapidly fading. Unfortunately Canada has always had its share of racists and conservative assholes. If Harper calls an early election it'll be to avoid the Duffy trial fallout, or his inner circle's fear of a worsening economy, or a heads up that Keystone XL is about to be scrapped etc.

[Spazito]

2. Racism is nothing new in Canada...

One only needs to look at the incarceration rates wrt First Nations. As to Harper's popularity, well, he's at the bottom re the three party leaders. The Con party voters are regional and the party needs crucial ridings in Ontario and a few in Quebec, we shall see.

I didn't think Canadians would be dumb enough to give the Cons a majority in the last election, I was wrong and, as a result, my cynicism as to us throwing them out has grown not diminished.

[Johnny Rash]

3. In Canada, Racism doesn't exit, as long as you do, what you are told...!