In February 2018, Jim Carrey stood on the stage of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards and delivered a searing commentary on the nature of power, politics, and celebrity. Carrey, a Canadian by birth, used his platform to speak about the growing danger of unchecked populism in the United States, personified by the then President Donald Trump. He described the world as a “world of celebrity” and “world where we’re really obsessed with people who aren’t thinking for themselves”, warning of the consequences of such a world in which egos and extremism overshadow reason.
Seven years on, Carrey’s words ring eerily prophetic and not just for America. The winds of Trump-style populism are now blowing through Canada, in the form of Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre. While Poilievre has not embraced the same bombastic rhetoric as his American counterpart, his brand of populism mirrors Trump’s in ways that should send a chill down the spine of anyone who values Canadian democracy, civility, and inclusiveness.
Jim Carrey’s warning about “ the tyranny of the unthinking masses” is increasingly relevant as we observe the rise of radical right-wing populism in Canada. The Conservative Party, under Poilievre’s leadership, has seen a shift towards a more divisive, anti-establishment rhetoric, one that echoes Trump’s campaign playbook. Poilievre rails against the “elite” and “the establishment” in much the same way Trump did, capitalizing on frustration and fear while offering simplistic, often harmful, solutions to complex issues.
Carrey, a man whose career was built on playing exaggerated, absurd characters, knows all too well the perils of embracing extremism. He once famously said that “we are living in a world of distractions”, where the serious issues of life are drowned out by noise. And this is exactly what radical conservatism brings to the table: a constant distraction from reason, from the nuanced and complex solutions that Canada needs, to oversimplified slogans and aggressive scapegoating.
Poilievre, much like Trump, thrives in this environment of chaos, where truth is often replaced by sensationalism and rhetoric over substance. His attacks on the media, his inflammatory comments about the so-called “woke” culture, and his demonization of government institutions all serve to create a divide between Canadians. Rather than unite the country around shared values of tolerance, respect, and fairness, he seeks to deepen the fractures – a tactic straight out of Trump’s playbook.
But let’s be clear: the Canadian way of life is not one of division. Our national identity is rooted in inclusivity, multiculturalism, and a commitment to social welfare. We are a country that prides itself on universal healthcare, on social safety nets, on welcoming the marginalized and the displaced. These values, however, are increasingly under threat as radical conservatives push their agenda to undermine these very pillars of Canadian society.
Under Poilievre, the Conservative Party has made it clear that they are willing to sacrifice these values in pursuit of power. From their criticism of Canada’s immigration policies to their opposition to climate action, Poilievre’s vision for Canada feels less like the responsible stewardship of a nation and more like a race to the bottom, where fear and division are used as tools to maintain control.
Carrey’s warning against populist leaders who “don’t have your best interest at heart” is not just about the individuals, but the larger culture they breed – one where cruelty and intolerance become normalized. Poilievre’s recent statements about wanting to “take back control” from the “elites ”in Ottawa, for example, resonate with those who feel left behind but are ultimately hollow in their promise. They distract from real issues, such as the rising cost of living, the housing crisis, and the looming climate emergency, which require thoughtful, compassionate solutions; not knee-jerk populism that only deepens divides.
The most concerning element of Poilievre’s approach is the normalization of extreme rhetoric. Canada has historically rejected the kind of extremism that has taken hold in other parts of the world. From Justin Trudeau’s calls for unity and inclusion to our broader social contract as a peace-loving nation, Canadians have largely resisted the allure of radical politics. But the risk is now undeniable. If we continue down the path of divisive rhetoric and populist promises, we may find ourselves at the mercy of a political system that values power over the common good.
It is not enough to dismiss Poilievre as just another politician chasing votes. His vision for Canada, one that relies on division, fear, and scapegoating, poses a real threat to the very fabric of this nation. Jim Carrey’s 2018 BAFTA speech served as a warning to the world about the dangers of unchecked populism, and today it serves as a stark reminder that Canada is not immune to the forces of extremism.
As Canadians, we must stand firm in our commitment to a just, inclusive, and compassionate society. We must reject the politics of fear and division and demand leaders who will work for the common good, not to exploit our differences for political gain. If we don’t, we risk losing the very essence of what it means to be Canadian; a society that celebrates diversity, fairness, and decency. This is a battle for the soul of our nation, and the stakes could not be higher.