Canada, a colonial construct dominated by special interests

Canada, as a nation, has deep roots in colonialism, a process through which foreign powers established control over territories and Indigenous peoples, shaping its historical and ongoing political, social, and economic structures. Additionally, the influence of special interests, particularly through lobbying and political donations, plays a significant role in its governance. This response explores Canada as a colonial construct and examines the dominance of special interests in its political landscape.

Colonial Foundations of Canada

Canada's history is marked by both French and British colonial endeavors. French colonialism began in the 16th century, with Jacques Cartier claiming land in Gaspé, Quebec, in 1534 for the king of France, followed by the establishment of a permanent presence in 1608 with Samuel de Champlain's founding of Quebec1. British colonialism took hold in 1670 with the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Royal Charter, which granted vast territories known as Rupert’s Land, encompassing parts of modern-day Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Nunavut1. These colonial efforts were underpinned by doctrines like the Doctrine of Discovery and terra nullius, which justified the appropriation of Indigenous lands1.

The Royal Proclamation of 1763, issued by King George III, recognized Indigenous rights and established treaty-making processes, though it was drafted without Indigenous input and created a Crown monopoly over land purchases2. Subsequent treaties, such as the Numbered Treaties (1871–1921), facilitated European settlement and resource extraction across vast regions, often displacing Indigenous populations in exchange for promises that were inconsistently honored2. The Indian Act of 1876 further entrenched colonial control, aiming to assimilate Indigenous peoples through measures like residential schools and bans on cultural practices such as the Potlatch1.

The effects of colonialism persist today. From 1883 to 1996, over 150,000 Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families to attend residential schools, where they faced cultural suppression, abuse, and high mortality rates due to disease and neglect3. The 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission labeled this system a form of cultural genocide, a finding accepted by the Canadian government, though follow-up actions to address the intergenerational trauma remain limited3. Policies like child welfare systems and inadequate housing continue to reflect colonial legacies, separating families and perpetuating marginalization3. A 2007 Canadian Senate study highlighted how alienation from land has led to economic marginalization, contributing to poverty, food insecurity, and poor housing among Indigenous communities1.

Dominance of Special Interests in Canadian Politics

Beyond its colonial framework, Canada’s political system is significantly influenced by special interests, particularly through lobbying and political donations. Lobbying, defined as the process of individuals or groups articulating interests to influence public policy, is a regulated but often opaque practice in Canada4. Wealthy corporations and industry groups frequently use lobbying to shape legislation and regulations in their favor, often overshadowing the voices of ordinary citizens and smaller advocacy groups56. For instance, the fossil fuel industry in British Columbia has been documented as a major donor to the BC Liberal Party, contributing nearly $5 million over two election cycles (2008–2015), securing access to decision-makers and influencing policy through lobbying efforts7. This industry also engages in tactics to weaken climate rules and spread disinformation, despite scientific evidence of their role in the climate crisis5.

At the federal level, strict political financing rules exist to curb undue influence. Since reforms between 2003 and 2006, corporate and union donations have been banned, individual contributions are capped at $1,525 annually, and donations over $200 must be disclosed publicly8. These regulations, praised as some of the strictest in North America, aim to ensure that special interests cannot purchase influence, and they have increased the number of individual donors, with 330,456 Canadians contributing to major parties in 2015 compared to 115,908 in 20048. However, challenges remain at the provincial level, where weaker regulations, such as in British Columbia, allow corporate donations and foster close relationships between industry and government, often undermining public interest and democratic integrity7.

The financial power of large corporations amplifies their lobbying efficacy, providing access to expertise, networks, and decision-makers, while ordinary citizens lack comparable resources6. The "revolving door" phenomenon, where former government officials transition into lobbying roles, further exacerbates this imbalance by fostering proximity between lobbyists and policymakers, potentially prioritizing economic interests over public good6. Pressure groups, such as the Business Council on National Issues (BCNI), formed by CEOs of large corporations, and trade associations like the Chamber of Commerce, also wield significant influence, especially as political parties rely on contributions amidst costly election campaigns9.

Conclusion

Canada’s identity as a colonial construct is evident in its historical formation through French and British control, the displacement of Indigenous peoples, and the enduring impacts of policies like the Indian Act and residential schools. Simultaneously, its political landscape is shaped by special interests, with corporate lobbying and donations—particularly at the provincial level—often overshadowing broader public concerns. While federal regulations attempt to mitigate undue influence, the financial might of corporations and the opacity of lobbying practices continue to challenge democratic equity. This dual legacy of colonialism and special interest dominance remains a defining feature of Canada’s societal and political framework.

1. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/colonialism-in-canada
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Settler_colonialism_in_Canada
3. https://www.ips-journal.eu/topics/democracy-and-society/canadas-colonial-reckoning-5253/
4. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/lobbying
5. https://thenarwhal.ca/topics/corporate-influence/
6. https://scholar.uwindsor.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1365&context=major-papers
7. https://policyalternatives.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/publications/BC%20Office/2017/03/ccpa-bc_mapping_influence_summary2017.pdf
8. https://liberal.ca/in-canadian-politics-people-come-before-special-interests-and-strong-federal-rules-help-guarantee-it/
9. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/pressure-group
10. https://www.wcel.org/blog/colonialism-alive-and-well-canada
11. https://bccampus.ca/2020/01/28/indigenization-guide-colonization-and-the-tools-of-colonization/
12. https://indigenouspeoplesatlasofcanada.ca/article/colonialism/
13. https://www.justice.gc.ca/socjs-esjp/en/ind-aut/uo-cs
14. https://ipac-canada.org/interest-group-information
15. https://www.environicsinstitute.org/projects/project-details/influence-in-canadian-politics
16. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/timeline/colonization-and-immigration
17. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Canada
18. https://www.historymuseum.ca/teachers-zone/history-box/colonial-canada
19. https://www.nsicop-cpsnr.ca/reports/rp-2024-06-03/01-en.html
20. https://archive-it.org/collections/227