ARE CANADIAN GOVERNMENTS LEGITIMATE?

 Legitimacy Crisis in Canadian Government

From City Hall to Parliament Hill: Where Is the People’s Voice?

Municipal (Nanaimo)

In the last civic election, Nanaimo’s Mayor secured less than 17% of eligible votes. No councillor fared any better. This is not a strong mandate — it’s a symptom of either voter apathy or the failure of candidates to inspire participation. Since then, the Mayor has banned public recording of council meetings and now seeks to borrow up to $183 million, despite a failed Alternative Approval Process. This was made possible only because the Province changed the rules, stripping voters of their voice.

Provincial

British Columbia’s Premier won office on a narrow majority after promising a $1,000 relief cheque to every household — a promise abandoned once in power. His win came amid questionable ballot handling and a disengaged electorate. That kind of thin mandate hardly represents the will of the people.

Federal

At the federal level, the Prime Minister claimed he could stand up to Donald Trump on trade and tariffs. In reality, he folded on every major point. Today, he has unilaterally recognized the state of Palestine — a move many see as rewarding terrorism — without Parliament’s approval. Worse, he has yet to present a budget, even as the deficit climbs toward $60 billion and billions are sent overseas while Canadians struggle. Without the confidence of the House expressed through a passed budget, his government cannot credibly claim legitimacy.

The Systemic Failure

Across civic, provincial, and federal lines, the pattern is clear: broken promises, bypassed voters, questionable mandates, and governments acting without genuine consent. The free press, meant to hold power accountable, has largely failed. Instead of democracy by the people, Canadians are left with rule by those who exploit apathy and cynicism.

A Biblical Lens

This crisis is not new. In the Old Testament, Israel rejected God’s direct rule and demanded a king. That decision led to centuries of corrupt human governance. Scripture promises a future correction: when “the government rests upon His shoulders” and “the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our God.” Until then, mankind stumbles under leaders shaped by sin and self-interest, rather than by righteousness and truth.

Conclusion

Whether in city hall, the legislature, or Parliament, Canadian governments today show little evidence of legitimate moral or democratic authority. Real legitimacy will not come until governance aligns with God’s original design — when Christ Himself reigns as King.