"Populism" is today's phrase describing disparaging "others". It is increasingly in vogue around the world - to the detriment of global citizenry. Uncivil behaviour towards those with contrary opinions (whether "liberals", "conservatives" or "populists") is crowding out reasoned dialogue.

I spent most of a decade in politics between 30 - 40 years ago as a P C MP; yet I regarded then and regard now my "political opponents" from the Liberals and NDP as "well meaning" MPs.

In the 1980s, Parliament was able to enact major social benefit (e.g. pension) reform and major financial institution reform (e..g. the creation of OSFI, and the introduction of comprehensive risk based supervision for banks and insurers) that still have Canada as a world leader. These reforms reflected an informal agreement among politicians of all parties to reform Canadian social and financial systems by consensus. Tax reform was "revenue neutral" not favouring the 1%.

Self centred "populism" damages society badly