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Politicians, as stewards of our democratic values, have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of all Canadians. The oath to “truly and faithfully, and to the best of (their) skill and knowledge execute the powers and trusts reposed in (them),” encompasses a moral imperative to foster a culture of respect and co-operation. Yet, reality often shows leaders prioritizing partisan gains over genuine problem-solving, adding to the erosion of public trust and effective governance. In an age dominated by online virality and clickbait, such behaviour is not only rewarded but proactively encouraged.

This troubling trend not only poses a fundamental threat to our democratic principles but also dampens the spirit of community-driven political participation that is vital for a healthy society. Many voters feel a disconnection not just from their traditional political homes but from the very discourse that defines our democracy.

This sense of isolation is exacerbated by an increasingly adversarial political climate, where dialogue often descends into conflict rather than fostering constructive debate. For instance, a recent report demonstrates that 2024 is on track to be the year with the worst unparliamentary language used in the House in 20 years.

The growing phenomenon of feeling siloed and isolated is a significant concern. In today鈥檚 political environment, a centre majority often feels trapped into silence by the fear of online swarming 鈥� for a misstep in speech or simply for holding a differing opinion 鈥� and real concerns for personal safety in a highly charged atmosphere.

In a recent survey, Abacus Data found that those who identify on the political spectrum as 鈥渃entre鈥� are far less motivated to vote in the next election than those who identify as right or left. Those in the middle are most likely to withdraw, reinforcing the trend toward a polarizing discourse that perpetuates a vicious circle of disengagement. This climate fosters a sense of helplessness and disenfranchisement, deterring meaningful participation in the democratic process and eroding the foundational community spirit that should drive democratic engagement.

When the political arena feels more like a den of lions and snakes 鈥� where the safety of oneself and loved ones may be at risk 鈥� than a forum for healthy tension and debate, it is no wonder that the political realm is experiencing its own great resignation.

In Quebec alone, 800 elected officials have resigned since the last municipal elections, a staggering 40 per cent increase from the previous term. In Ontario, 548 municipal seats were won by acclamation in 2022, a 40-per-cent increase in less than 10 years. These numbers bring to light a stark truth: the sacrifice of holding public office has become all-encompassing, and fewer individuals are willing to make it.

While many factors are at play, we can no longer point to a few bad actors; the issue has become pervasive, reflecting a toxic practice embedded in much of today鈥檚 public discourse.

To counter this decline, we must elevate political dialogue, fostering a culture where differences are valued. Though the solution isn’t clear, inaction worsens the issue; politicians and their teams must acknowledge harm to democracy.

Media and tech platforms should also play their part, resisting the temptation to amplify toxic discourse for increased readership and user screen time. Canadians share the responsibility to demand improvement, recognizing that political participation extends beyond voting, requiring active engagement in shaping governance and rebuilding community spirit.

We must embrace these principles to forge a path forward for Canadian democracy that not only resolves today’s issues but also strengthens our institutions for the generations to come. Recognizing that our nation, while not perfect, holds core tenets of governance worth preserving and enhancing, it is crucial that we all 鈥� citizens and leaders alike 鈥� become more serious about our commitment to democracy.

Thomas Jefferson said, “the government you elect is the government you deserve.” Canada deserves governance that champions civility and decency, serving as a model for citizens to emulate.

Now is the time to ignite that democracy lobbyist within each of us, demanding improvement and actively participating in its enhancement. Get offline, go debate respectfully with your neighbour, embrace their different perspectives, ask questions about issues you don’t understand, and reject toxic discourse.