I think you have touched on something important in this post, in that there is a large number of conservatives in Canada who would like to see a broader conservative discourse. Hopefully projects like this can have the effect to gather momentum which will generate more forms of media to help highlight and further the Conservative conversation. There is already an appetite to explore through mediums often underutilized, such as art, in Toronto (of all places).
I wonder if you have considered some of the ways in which public discourse in Canada might be broadened, both in the sense of the medium but also in reaching more of the public and generating participation (even modestly). I would be curious to hear your perspective on the challenges we (Canada) faces with respect to its media (and as it intersects with political/cultural) landscape; beyond what has been explored in this post.
These are good observations, and good questions. Media and the broader public discourse/landscape are topics I'll be returning to frequently, and I'll try my best to offer potential solutions to the challenges as I see them, as difficult as that might be.
The Dominion is off to a great start. I will echo the other requests I have seen in the comments for an overview of the history of conservative thought in Canada as this seems a vital starting point for any discussion of the ideas which underlie contemporary Canadian conservative thought - if it actually exists.
I also would like to question whether or not a coherent "national" conservatism is possible considering the regional divisions in this country. It is probable that beneath the rather uniform "ten points" there are many diverse right leaning traditions of thought in this country worth exploring when considering what Canadian Conservatism might be.
That's a good read, thanks. I'd like to see a trend of defining conservatism, especially the differences, if any, between conservatism in Canada vs. USA. Not policy per say but but clear definitions of what you think is conservatism in this decade(s). I'd suggest Canadians might identify with that more than they realize.
I think one of the problems the Canadian Right has is a tendency to either be too in the moment (Trudeau did WHAT!?!) or just too nostalgic (Let me tell you about Robert Stanfield, sonny!).
What may be a good idea is some regime level interrogations of ideas and preconceptions of the kind that the American Mind does, or that you may see in, say, JJ McCullough of the Washington Post's work. An overly minute focus on the policy of the day allows some deeply controversial and flawed preconditions of Canadian political culture to go unchallenged and unquestioned.
As a follow up, I am interested to hear your thoughts on the limits of Canadian conservatism. As in, using the US as a basis, how far towards the US-model can/should Canadian conservatism go (property rights, 2nd amendment, free speech, etc.).
I would like to see on the blog the history of the old Red Tories(Diefenbaker, Macdonald), their reforms and policies. In the Canadian mainstream media, the history of conservatism usually begins with the Reform Party and that is a shame. While the British are rediscovering Disraeli for themselves, the Canadians also need some kind of guiding star.
Definitely looking forward to this weekly read! One area that I think is often neglected by Canadian thinkers, for a variety of reasons, is the need for a really serious and resourced foreign/defence posture in the world. Status quo is big on rhetoric, but not much else, and that doesn't square well with my own understanding of how Canadian conservatism might approach it. Lots of space, and desire, for a shake-up of what currently exists...
Very good point. This isn't my area of academic (or non-academic) specialty so it's not something I talk about all that much, but it's definitely something I'll try and address at some point.
Fair enough. Certainly I don't think its possible for a conservative party to be able to articulate a robust foreign/defence view without having a firmer and more articulate ideological foundation. As with comments above, there is a unique challenge for Cdn cons in carving out and maintaining a specifically Cdn identity.
Please advise: I stumbled upon your new publication because I'm trying to find out what my extremely conservative husband is talking about. He says “The Dominion” is an evil computer program that was use to convert Trump votes into Biden votes.
I think you have touched on something important in this post, in that there is a large number of conservatives in Canada who would like to see a broader conservative discourse. Hopefully projects like this can have the effect to gather momentum which will generate more forms of media to help highlight and further the Conservative conversation. There is already an appetite to explore through mediums often underutilized, such as art, in Toronto (of all places).
I wonder if you have considered some of the ways in which public discourse in Canada might be broadened, both in the sense of the medium but also in reaching more of the public and generating participation (even modestly). I would be curious to hear your perspective on the challenges we (Canada) faces with respect to its media (and as it intersects with political/cultural) landscape; beyond what has been explored in this post.
These are good observations, and good questions. Media and the broader public discourse/landscape are topics I'll be returning to frequently, and I'll try my best to offer potential solutions to the challenges as I see them, as difficult as that might be.
The Dominion is off to a great start. I will echo the other requests I have seen in the comments for an overview of the history of conservative thought in Canada as this seems a vital starting point for any discussion of the ideas which underlie contemporary Canadian conservative thought - if it actually exists.
I also would like to question whether or not a coherent "national" conservatism is possible considering the regional divisions in this country. It is probable that beneath the rather uniform "ten points" there are many diverse right leaning traditions of thought in this country worth exploring when considering what Canadian Conservatism might be.
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That's a good read, thanks. I'd like to see a trend of defining conservatism, especially the differences, if any, between conservatism in Canada vs. USA. Not policy per say but but clear definitions of what you think is conservatism in this decade(s). I'd suggest Canadians might identify with that more than they realize.
This is definitely going to be the topic of a future newsletter that's already planned. Not sure when, but some time in the near future!
This is a great idea, wish you the best with it.
I think one of the problems the Canadian Right has is a tendency to either be too in the moment (Trudeau did WHAT!?!) or just too nostalgic (Let me tell you about Robert Stanfield, sonny!).
What may be a good idea is some regime level interrogations of ideas and preconceptions of the kind that the American Mind does, or that you may see in, say, JJ McCullough of the Washington Post's work. An overly minute focus on the policy of the day allows some deeply controversial and flawed preconditions of Canadian political culture to go unchallenged and unquestioned.
As a follow up, I am interested to hear your thoughts on the limits of Canadian conservatism. As in, using the US as a basis, how far towards the US-model can/should Canadian conservatism go (property rights, 2nd amendment, free speech, etc.).
Already have plans to do a newsletter about this topic in the coming months!
Thanks for the great post.
I would like to see on the blog the history of the old Red Tories(Diefenbaker, Macdonald), their reforms and policies. In the Canadian mainstream media, the history of conservatism usually begins with the Reform Party and that is a shame. While the British are rediscovering Disraeli for themselves, the Canadians also need some kind of guiding star.
Definitely something that will be addressed. If you're interested, I've written something sort of along these lines elsewhere here:
https://c2cjournal.ca/2020/01/fbp-future-of-conservatism-series-part-i-thfuture-of-conservatism-series-part-i-the-enduring-appeal-of-red-toryism/
Definitely looking forward to this weekly read! One area that I think is often neglected by Canadian thinkers, for a variety of reasons, is the need for a really serious and resourced foreign/defence posture in the world. Status quo is big on rhetoric, but not much else, and that doesn't square well with my own understanding of how Canadian conservatism might approach it. Lots of space, and desire, for a shake-up of what currently exists...
Very good point. This isn't my area of academic (or non-academic) specialty so it's not something I talk about all that much, but it's definitely something I'll try and address at some point.
Fair enough. Certainly I don't think its possible for a conservative party to be able to articulate a robust foreign/defence view without having a firmer and more articulate ideological foundation. As with comments above, there is a unique challenge for Cdn cons in carving out and maintaining a specifically Cdn identity.
Looking forward to your further writings :)
Please advise: I stumbled upon your new publication because I'm trying to find out what my extremely conservative husband is talking about. He says “The Dominion” is an evil computer program that was use to convert Trump votes into Biden votes.
I am eagerly anticipating the newsletter. I now live in the US but keep a very close eye on Canadian politics and conservatism. Best of luck to you!