'The world needs more Canada': Are there lessons for European progressives in the Liberals' comeback?

摘要

Progressives around the world should celebrate the fact that the Canadian Liberals defend a progressive, open, tolerant and liberal society. While there are many reasons why their approach flourishes in Canada and would be difficult to imitate elsewhere - namely the country's demography, geography and historical approach to immigration - there are nonetheless some important lessons for Europeans. Arguments for a diverse and tolerant society work when people perceive the immigration system to be controlled, strong and fair. Equally, a progressive patriotism that acknowledges the plurality of what makes a nation helps prevent an exclusionary nationalism from taking root. Finally, the Liberals demonstrate that breaking away from traditional, top-down party structures and calling for systemic political change are reflections of civic society in the 21 st century. However, do Europeans need to look to Canada - a foreign country - for inspiration, or should they be encouraged to look closer to home? The new progressive movements in Europe offer optimism for the centre-left and are worth a closer look.