In recent years, Canada has grappled with its national identity amid shifting global dynamics. Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau once described Canada as a “post-national state,” suggesting it lacked a core identity. Now, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, there is a renewed focus on nationalism, particularly in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies. Carney has criticized Trump but has not significantly altered Canada’s own protectionist stance.

As nationalism gains traction, some Canadians are embracing a form of authoritarian nationalism. However, this trend may overlook a broader decline in the appeal of the national state, not just in the U.S. but also across Europe and the U.K. This shift is partly driven by leftist ideologies that challenge traditional Western narratives, including the promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and the recognition of First Nations land rights, which have become integral to educational frameworks in North America and Europe.

The push for a centralized state often conflicts with the diverse needs of Canada’s regions. The country’s vast geography means that communities have distinct priorities. For instance, residents in Alberta and the Prairie provinces, which rely heavily on resource extraction, may not align with Carney’s environmentally focused policies. In contrast, British Columbia advocates for urban sustainability, while Ontario grapples with a divide between industrial and urban green interests.

Carney’s administration appears to prioritize broader issues rather than addressing the specific needs of various communities. Many Canadians favor local decision-making, believing that governance should be as close to home as possible. This sentiment is echoed in the U.S., where polls indicate a preference for local governance over federal oversight. Despite generational differences, younger Canadians, while liberal on social issues, often reject the top-down approaches favored by previous generations.

The desire for localism is not unique to Canada. In France, protests against globalization and dissatisfaction with the European Union reflect a growing discontent with centralized authority. Eastern European nations, emerging from decades of centralized control, also show a preference for local governance. In Spain, regions like Catalonia and the Basque Country seek greater autonomy.

As both Canada and the U.S. navigate their national identities, there is a grassroots movement advocating for governance that is neither global nor strictly federal. This trend may gain momentum as suburban areas, often perceived as better managed than larger urban centers, continue to expand and assert their local governance preferences.