A new movement within Canadian conservatism is emerging, driven largely by younger individuals who are adopting views reminiscent of the MAGA Republicans in the United States. This shift poses a challenge to the traditional conservative alliance that has historically combined economic and social conservatives. Stephen Harper, former leader of the Canadian Alliance, highlighted this dynamic in 2003, noting that the conservative movement in Canada has relied on a partnership between these two factions.

The so-called new right, often referred to as "national conservatism" or "postliberalism," suggests that the alliance between economic libertarians and social conservatives was more of a temporary arrangement than a true ideological partnership. In a recent article for the Without Diminishment Substack newsletter, policy consultant Alex MacDonald stated, "While the fusionist project in Canada promised to wed the supposed mutual values of economic libertarians and social traditionalists into an intellectually coherent and principled conservative coalition to be electorally viable, we have instead witnessed the social conservatives become the concubine of the economic libertarians."

MacDonald argues that the libertarian perspective has expanded beyond economic issues, leading conservatives to adopt a general skepticism of the state. He claims that calls for the state to support traditional values are often dismissed as attempts by the left to co-opt government power, which many conservatives reject.

This narrative, while compelling, does not capture the entire picture. The fusionist alliance between libertarians and social conservatives was originally formed during the Cold War, united by their opposition to the Soviet Union and global communism. Influential figures on the American right, such as Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan, championed individual liberty and limited government while also holding socially conservative views.

Historically, attempts to use big government for political ends have often led to authoritarianism and economic failure. The current movement to separate social and economic conservatism should not be viewed as a revival of a purely socially conservative ideology, but rather as a response to perceived excesses from the left by individuals who do not share the traditional values of conservatism.

This trend mirrors developments in the United States, where frustration with the left's approach to free speech and morality has led to significant political shifts. In 2016 and again in 2020, many Americans supported Donald Trump, who, despite carrying the Republican banner, has often diverged from traditional conservative principles. His inconsistent positions on issues like abortion and his controversial personal conduct have raised questions about his alignment with the religious right. Additionally, his protectionist trade policies and efforts to influence private businesses have alienated some economic conservatives.

As this new movement gains traction in Canada, it remains to be seen how it will reshape the landscape of conservatism in the country and whether it can achieve electoral success despite the historical challenges posed by divisions within the right.