Social democracy versus “populism”
What we urgently need is a recreation of the effective politics of post-War social democracy. But we can’t just return to the past.
What we urgently need is a recreation of the effective politics of post-War social democracy. But we can’t just return to the past.
It’s not right for us to think that we Canadians are immune to a radical right wing fanning intolerance and hate. We cannot be complacent. We need to change the game.
“If a blind faith in unfettered markets continues to prevail, I believe the social foundation for our democracies will continue to be shaken.”
In September 2016, the Broadbent Institute hosted Progress Summit BC to chart a progressive path forward for the province in this critical election year. The Summit wrapped up with an inspiring keynote from Wab Kinew, Manitoba MLA (Fort Rouge), on the power of engaging citizens in democracy.
A well-designed system of income tested benefits for low income workers, including disability benefits, is needed to set a basic income floor for all Canadians and to replace our inadequate and punitive social assistance system.
In the current rush to experiment with guaranteed livable incomes, let’s not forget the hard won battles to decommodify certain things we value like health care.