On the latest episode of Inside Winnipeg Politics, columnists Currier, Koop, and Klein weighed in on a recent statement by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Poilievre suggested eliminating the hyphen in Canada, sparking a conversation about national identity and unity.
Koop, a political science professor at the University of Manitoba, supported the idea, seeing it as a step toward fostering a stronger sense of togetherness among Canadians. Klein pointed out that he had already advocated for removing hyphens in columns published in the Winnipeg Sun last year, declaring that Canadians should not have to apologize for their national identity.
The panel discussed a recent poll that revealed only 34% of Canadians consider themselves "very proud" of their country. Klein attributed this decline to the rise of DEI policies, which he called “woke bullies,” and the politicians who failed to oppose them. He argued that these trends have undermined traditional values and distorted the concept of what it means to be Canadian.
At one point, the panel asked, “What does it mean to be Canadian anymore?” They debated whether anyone today could provide a definitive answer. Koop and Currier reflected on the diverse interpretations of Canadian identity, but all agreed the question had grown increasingly difficult to answer. Klein emphasized that restoring pride and unity requires reclaiming a clear and shared vision of what it means to be Canadian.
Currier offered a more cautious perspective, noting that while eliminating the hyphen has symbolic appeal, addressing deeper societal divisions will require more than rhetoric. He highlighted the need for meaningful actions to restore pride and confidence in Canadian identity.
The panel’s discussion reflected differing views on how to navigate the challenges of modern Canadian identity, with each bringing their own perspective to the debate. Watch Currier, Koop, and Klein tackle this topic with their signature candour as they explore what it means to be Canadian in today’s political climate.