Is “Common Sense” Really Just a Dog Whistle? The Conservative Agenda’s Threat to Canadian Values

Far too often, “common sense” is code. It’s a carefully crafted dog whistle, designed to appeal to a particular segment of the population while subtly marginalizing others. It’s used to justify policies that disproportionately harm vulnerable communities, roll back hard-won rights, and erode the very fabric of our social safety net. It sounds harmless, but in reality, it is anything but.

Think about it. When Conservatives invoke “common sense” to justify tax cuts for the wealthy, they are conveniently ignoring the fact that these policies exacerbate income inequality and leave vital public services underfunded. Is it “common sense” to prioritize corporate profits over the needs of everyday Canadians struggling to make ends meet? I think not.

When “common sense” is used to attack environmental regulations, it’s a thinly veiled attempt to prioritize short-term economic gains over the long-term health of our planet. Is it “common sense” to condemn future generations to a climate catastrophe so that a few corporations can pad their bottom lines? Again, the answer is a resounding no.

And when “common sense” is invoked to fuel culture wars – be it over LGBTQ+ rights, Indigenous reconciliation, or immigration – it’s a dangerous game of divide and conquer. It’s a cynical attempt to distract from the real issues facing our country by scapegoating marginalized groups and stoking fear and resentment. This is not “common sense”; it is simply hate speech cleverly disguised.

The rise of populism around the world serves as a stark warning. We’ve seen how easily “common sense” rhetoric can be twisted into something far more sinister: a justification for authoritarianism, the erosion of democratic norms, and the persecution of minorities. While Canada enjoys strong democratic institutions, we cannot afford to be complacent. The seeds of division are being sown, and we must be vigilant in resisting them.

We, as progressive Canadians, have a responsibility to challenge the Conservatives’ rhetoric of “common sense.” We need to expose its underlying biases and demonstrate how it serves to reinforce existing power structures and perpetuate inequality. We need to articulate a vision of Canada that is truly inclusive, just, and sustainable – a vision based on empathy, compassion, and a commitment to the common good.

This is not about abandoning common sense altogether. It is about reclaiming the term and imbuing it with a progressive meaning. It’s about recognizing that true “common sense” involves listening to the voices of the marginalized, prioritizing the needs of the many over the few, and working together to build a better future for all Canadians. It’s about standing up for our values, even when it’s not easy, and refusing to be swayed by the siren song of division and hate.

The future of Canada depends on it.