School of Social and Political Science

Description

From Black Lives Matter to the War on Woke: the (Homegrown) Politics of Backlash in Canada

In the summer of 2020, hundreds of thousands of Canadians across the country marched under the rallying cry of Black Lives Matter in protest of endemic police violence and systemic anti-Black racism. Now, less than five years later, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, once the avatar of centre-left progressivism, is wildly unpopular, forced to concede his leadership of the Liberal Party. In addition, there are widespread attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in universities and corporate Canada alike, public consensus on the benefits of immigration has fractured, and Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre has successfully mobilized simmering resentment to wage a war on wokeism.

This presentation examines the rise of this political backlash in Canada, reflecting on this time of political upheaval and flux. It considers the collapse of old political norms, the uncertainty surrounding emerging alternatives, the influence of American culture wars, and the pressing question of whether Canadian democracy can withstand the challenges ahead.

-- This lecture marks the start of the Canadian Studies 50th anniversary conference. The lecture is open to the wider community at the University of Edinburgh and beyond. The evening will include welcome and opening remarks for the conference, and will be followed by a drinks reception.

The lecture will be in Playfair Library Hall, Old College, on South Bridge. If you require step-free access to the venue, please ensure you note this to the organisers in the registration form.