Political Polarization in Canada and the U.S.

This report explores the issue of political polarization in Canada and the United States through an analysis of public opinion data about democracy collected over the past decade.

The analysis shows that the situations in Canada and the U.S. are markedly different. The U.S. is highly polarized, with support for democratic institutions and actors among those on the left or right generally rising or falling depending on which political party is in power. This polarization was evident during the Obama presidency, but has intensified under Trump, as measures such as satisfaction with democracy, support for or pride in the political system, and especially trust in the president, have declined sharply among left-leaning Americans while jumping no less sharply among those on the right.

In Canada, in contrast, left-right polarization is much less pronounced and has generally declined, rather than increased, over the past decade. There has been a convergence between the left and right in satisfaction with democracy, support for or pride in the political system, and respect for political institutions. This is because views have improved significantly among those on the left, without deteriorating to the same degree among those on the right.

The report highlights why it is important to approach Canada as its own case, and not assume that its experiences mirror those of other Western democracies that are straining under the influence of populism and the rise of a more polarized political discourse.

For more information, contact Andrew Parkin.

Read the report.