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Christian Nationalism in Canada: A Growing Concern Amidst Rise of Conservative Politics

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the April 2025 Canadian election revealed, the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, experienced a significant surge in voter support, with some exit polling data suggesting stronger backing among 18-34-year-olds. While United States President Donald Trump's endorsement of Canada's potential 51st state status was initially seen as a liability for Poilievre, scholars warn that this rise might be connected to the growing influence of Christian nationalism in both countries. This ideology, characterized by a blurring of Christian identity and national identity, has been linked to increased violence against minority groups in the United States.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Conservative Party received its largest vote share since Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, indicating a significant shift in Canadian politics.
  • Poilievre's campaign mobilized the narrative mechanisms that attract Christian nationalists, including a power devaluation crisis and a narrative of decline.
  • By calling Canada "broken," Poilievre affirms the worldview of Christian nationalists, which emphasizes a need for restoration and reclaiming.
  • Poilievre has reportedly adopted strategies from Trump to court conservative Christians, including increased presence at churches.
  • A link has been established between the rise of Christian nationalist ideologies and attacks on religious minorities in the United States.
  • Statistics Canada reports a 13 per cent increase in violent crime rates from 2021-2022, with police-reported hate crimes rising 32 per cent from 2022 to 2023.
  • Crimes targeting religion rose 67 per cent in 2023, primarily targeting Jewish and Muslim communities.
  • Scholars warn that the rise of far-right ideas in Canada might be connected to a rise in violence, as seen in the United States.

Statistics:

  • The Conservative Party received its largest vote share since Prime Minister Brian Mulroney (30%).
  • Exit polling data suggested stronger support for the Conservative Party among 18-34-year-olds (43%) than among 55+ year-olds (35%).
  • Poilievre's campaign mobilized the narrative mechanisms that attract Christian nationalists (power devaluation crisis and narrative of decline).
  • Statistics Canada reports a 13 per cent increase in violent crime rates from 2021-2022.
  • Police-reported hate crimes increased 32 per cent from 2022 to 2023.
  • Crimes targeting religion rose 67 per cent in 2023, primarily targeting Jewish and Muslim communities.

Sources:

  • Lisa Gasson-Gardner, "Christian nationalism: A growing concern amidst rise of conservative politics in Canada"
  • The Conversation -- Canada -- By Lisa Gasson-Gardner, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, Mount Royal University
  • Matthew Taylor, The Violent Take it by Force
  • Andrew Whitehead and Samuel Perry, "Christian nationalism: A cultural framework that blurs distinctions between Christian identity and American identity"
  • Daniel Miller, "Christian nationalism emerges when people identify with a very narrow, idealized prototype of the 'real or 'authentic' American"
  • Statistics Canada, "Crime rates and demographics, 2021-2022"
  • "A 'Trump slump' has lifted the left in Canada and now Australia -- what are the lessons for NZ?"

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