Canadians want alternative to ecocidal capitalism

Despite few promoting socialism Canadians are open to anti-capitalist messages.

According to a mid-November Spark Insights online survey of 2,895 adults, 43% of Canadians believe capitalism “is doing more harm than good today.” Also asked, “How do you feel about capitalism and socialism?” 29% of respondents said socialism is a better approach while 28% said capitalism works best.

Spark Insights head Bruce Anderson explained, “the plurality feels capitalism is good in theory but is doing more harm than good today. This feeling is even more pronounced among swing voters.”

It’s hard to know exactly what people mean by “socialism” and “capitalism”, but it’s clear that broad swaths of the public are critical of an economic system driven by the private accumulation of (socially derived) wealth. Other recent polls on capitalism vs socialism have come to similar conclusions. In early 2023, for instance, the right-wing Fraser Institute complained about a poll finding that 50% of Canadians 18-24 favour socialism over capitalism.

Part of what makes these numbers remarkable is the dearth of anti-capitalist messaging in the dominant ideological institutions. For every pro-socialist message there must be 100 pro-capitalist messages in the dominant media, think tanks, universities, etc. The organized socialist movement is at one of its weakest points in the past century.

Instigated by the NDP Socialist Caucus, my bid to lead the party has brought together several of Canada’s radical left grouplets. With a thousand volunteers, the campaign may be the largest anti-capitalist organization in the country. Our comprehensive platform, drafted in an open and democratic manner, is titled Capitalism can’t be fixed – onwards to a socialist future.

It notes, “Contrary to what the ruling class says, we know we don’t have a free market economy. The economy is directed by a small group of billionaire elites who prioritize private profit over public good. A socialist Canada requires democratic ownership and control of the economy’s commanding heights for planned and sustainable development. Essential sectors must serve the public good, not private profit. Our core promises are to fight unambiguously for our interests against the billionaire class, ensuring public ownership of all corporate industries, including production, transportation, communication, and finance. This ensures self-sufficiency, high quality unionized jobs and national prosperity.”

The campaign has pushed to put socialism back on the agenda. We’ve organized a dozen speaking events titled “Capitalism can’t be fixed” and produced various placards with that slogan. We’ve also produced T-shirts, placards and memes with our slogan “Socialism. Activism. Justice.”

Recently we instigated an Action Network email campaign to the prime minister to “Demand Royal Commission into capitalism.” While somewhat tongue in cheek considering Carney’s corporate background and the balance of forces in the country today, the introduction to the email campaign notes, “Capitalism’s need for constant growth is imperiling humanity’s long-term survival while concentrating wealth in the hands of an ever smaller few. It’s time for a public inquiry into capitalism’s war on the earth, working class, human psyche and democracy.”

In five months of campaigning to lead the NDP we’ve questioned the foundation of our economic system more than all branches of the party over the past few years. Not everyone likes that. It’s likely the NDP’s three person backroom vetting committee will formally reject my bid to participate in the race.

But anti-capitalism is part of the CCF/NDP tradition. According to the founding 1933 CCF Regina Manifesto, the aim of the party is to “eradicate capitalism” and “replace the present capitalist system.” A substantial current in the NDP, the 1969 Waffle manifesto says, “Capitalism must be replaced by socialism.”

There’s far greater support for challenging capitalism and building socialism than is widely recognized. It’s time to offer a real alternative to wealth concentrating, ecocidal capitalism.

Please email Mark Carney to ask him to launch a Royal Commission into capitalism.