Understanding Populism and its Growth in Canada and the United States

This article focuses on the contrast of populism and its growth in Canada and the United States. Issues such as economic downfall, cultural differences, and lack of acknowledgement of the middle class have led several countries to embrace populist candidates, such as former United States President Donald Trump. Populist ideals have become more accepted among political candidates worldwide, but can such political beliefs become prominent within the Canadian political system? Based on the evidence examined, I argue that populism will not grow in Canada within the next five years. By analyzing populism’s influence in recent elections, the growing populist population in Canada and the US, and voting behaviour in both countries, this paper will allow for a thorough explanation as to how populism in Canada will not see the same upward trend as it did in the US after the 2016 presidential election.