What keeps Canada democratic—and independent? Readers asked. We answered.

their policy goals. This can act as a check on the power of a new government, especially if the Senate is controlled by a different party than the one in power.

Third, the media and civil society play a crucial role in holding the government to account. The media acts as a watchdog, reporting on government actions and policies, and bringing potential abuses of power to light. Civil society organizations, such as advocacy groups, human rights organizations, and grassroots movements, also play a key role in advocating for the rights and freedoms of Canadians. They can mobilize public opinion against government actions that threaten democracy and human rights.

Finally, the ultimate safeguard against a government becoming authoritarian lies with the people themselves. In a democracy, the people have the power to vote out a government that they believe is not acting in their best interests. If a government were to attempt to undermine democracy and infringe on the rights and freedoms of Canadians, the people could mobilize through protests, strikes, and other forms of civil disobedience to resist those actions.

In conclusion, while democracy is not inherently permanent, Canada’s system of government and constitution have built-in safeguards to prevent the rise of authoritarianism. The difficult process of amending the constitution, the role of the Senate, the watchdog function of the media and civil society, and the power of the people to hold their government to account all serve as protections against the erosion of democracy and human rights. It is up to all Canadians to remain vigilant and actively participate in the democratic process to ensure that our rights and freedoms are protected for generations to come.