File Photo (Image Credit: The Canadian Press)

By Katlyn Eriksen

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Majority of British Columbians think political polarization threatens democracy

Jun 1, 2024 | 6:00 AM

SEVENTY-SIX PER CENT OF BRITISH COLUMBIANS think political polarization is becoming more extreme and is ‘definitely’ or ‘probably’ a threat to democracy, a recent poll by Research Co. reveals. Indeed, polarization is now firmly entrenched in Canadian politics. Issues ranging from the rising cost of living and carbon tax to the Israel-Hamas war are particularly strong sources of division across the country. When political divides widen to extremes, people are less willing or able to engage in constructive, respectful conversations that work toward mutual understanding and common ground. Fortunately, potential solutions ranging from driving engagement in B.C. municipal elections to strengthening hate crime laws promise to fix divisions and restore peace and security.

Disengagement, ‘unproductive bitterness’ encapsulate Canada’s polarization

Whether it’s directed against the government, economy or current news stories, “Canadians are angry. And they are picking sides, increasingly segmenting into agitated clusters of comforting rage,” notes investigative journalist Justin Ling. For the Public Policy Forum, Ling authored a report that shows polarization across B.C. and wider Canada as marked by: “mass protest, feedback loops, identity politics-driven public discourse, partisan sorting, performance politics and a loss of diversity in viewpoints.” The report also says that growing detachment and “unproductive bitterness” are hallmarks of polarization. Notably, 60 per cent of British Columbains are concerned about government restrictions on personal freedom, while 59 per cent are bothered by hyper-partisanship and/or intense conflict between political parties.

Polarization is even seeping into family life

“There’s often that one relative who always has to be right… or a relative who is insufferable, won’t listen and wants to pontificate,” says Melanee Thomas, an associate professor of political science at the University of Calgary. Although some families are able to have respectful conversations despite holding differing worldviews and opinions, the threat of growing polarization shouldn’t be underestimated. “Polarization does not just influence people’s opinions about the parties, but also how they view ordinary Canadians,” explains Thomas.

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Similar trends are occurring in the U.S. as over 50 per cent of Americans today report intense political division within their own families. Topics like guns, immigration and climate change are particularly contentious. In fact, a recent survey of more than 40 experts in psychology, law and other fields conducted by CoolOldGames.com also found that “of the 32 contributors who mentioned politics, 25 believe it has become significantly more divisive in recent times”. Many experts also advise avoiding political topics during family conversations in order to keep the peace.

British Columbians suggest ways to drive political engagement

In the Research Co. poll, British Columbians also recommend several potential changes to municipal politics to get people invested in local issues and put an end to polarization and disengagement. Sixty-two per cent think permanent residents who’ve lived in a municipality for at least six months should be allowed to vote in municipal elections, while 59 per cent think the media should up their coverage of municipal issues. Fifty-nine per cent also think that voting for existing councillors should be replaced with voting for councillors (aka wards) who represent specific municipality segments.

Experts call for an end to polarization

A group of Canadian politicians, activists and academics are also suggesting other solutions to end polarization in B.C. and across the country. In their recent open letter, the group asks the country’s politicians to “improve civility in public discourse and mend divisions undermining peace and security in this country.” Specifically, the letter encourages politicians to work with academics to work out the underlying origins of polarization, back national and local organizations to end hate and improve awareness of the legal definition of hate speech. Additionally, the letter wants laws surrounding hate crimes, harassment and threats to be reassessed for effectiveness without hindering the basic right to free speech. They also want educational curriculums to be designed with “greater intercultural competency” and the importance of “community-level empathy” in mind.

“Whatever the reasons for the increasingly belligerent nature of many of the current interactions between Canadians with different perspectives on hostilities in the Middle East or other divisive issues, we believe that no Canadian should ever be fearful because of their identities or their beliefs”, the letter reads. This is certainly a sentiment most British Columbians share. By pursuing proper avenues to fight for change and championing respectful, empathetic discussion, British Columbians can play their part in restoring civility, resolving disputes effectively and ending polarization.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.