Where have all the unscripted politicians gone? Experts explore the ‘electorally hazardous’ role of authenticity in Canadian politics

In the age of soundbites, rigid party discipline, and intense media scrutiny, some academics are considering the role of images of authenticity in Canadian politics, and the balance between MPs presenting less polished versions of themselves and the rise of populism.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, lower left, Treasury Board President Anita Anand, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves- François Blanchet, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

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BY STEPHEN JEFFERY

July 31, 2023

In today’s tightly scripted, talking-point world of politics, there’s a real shortage of straight shooters. One expert leading the first-ever major Canadian study on political authenticity says she was motivated by the eroding trust in our institutions and political lead...

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