Canada Needs a Culture Shock

National Review

by Caroline Downey

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Canada’s cultural landscape is undergoing significant shifts, raising questions about its identity and future direction. The country has long been celebrated for its progressive values, multiculturalism, and universal healthcare system. However, beneath this veneer lies a growing sense of unease among citizens, policymakers, and experts. Issues such as economic inequality, regional divisions, and political polarization are increasingly coming to the forefront, challenging the notion of Canada as a universally harmonious society. One of the most notable cultural shifts in recent years has been the embrace of euthanasia, which has sparked intense debates about end-of-life policies and moral values. This trend reflects broader societal changes, including shifting attitudes toward traditional institutions and norms. At the same time, Canada’s relationship with sports, particularly hockey, has long served as a unifying force for the nation. Yet, despite its enduring popularity, the sport is now grappling with issues of violence, concussions, and systemic sexism, which have cast doubt on its ability to serve as a cultural savior. These challenges extend beyond individual sectors, touching on deeper issues of national identity and values. For instance, tensions between rural and urban regions are growing more pronounced, with rural communities feeling marginalized by federal policies that prioritize urban centers. Additionally, the rise of far-right politics in Canada has surprised many observers, who had long assumed the country to be immune from such trends. These shifts have left many Canadians questioning whether their nation is moving in a direction that aligns with its historical values or if it’s undergoing a fundamental transformation. For readers interested in politics, understanding these cultural dynamics is crucial because they often shape electoral outcomes and policy directions. The interplay between progressive ideals and conservative backlash, for example, has become a defining feature of Canadian politics. As the country grapples with questions about its identity, voters are increasingly drawn to political leaders who promise to address these concerns, whether through economic reforms or cultural reassertion. Ultimately, Canada’s current trajectory raises important questions about what it means to be Canadian in an increasingly fragmented and globalized world. Whether this will lead to greater unity or further division remains to be seen, but the conversation is already reshaping the nation’s political landscape.

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Originally published on National Review on 2/25/2026