John Robson: In Mark Carney's Canada, Nothing Matters Anymore
Published on February 19, 2026 – In a scathing critique, columnist John Robson explores a disturbing trend in Canadian politics under Prime Minister Mark Carney, where actions and consequences seem to have lost all significance. Drawing from insights by Post columnist Chris Selley, Robson argues that Canadians and their governments are behaving as if nothing truly matters, leading to a cascade of policy failures and public indifference.
The Premise of Political Apathy
Robson begins by referencing Selley's December post on X, which posited that historians might one day view this era as a time when Canadians and their governments realized, to their horror, that some things actually matter. The underlying premise is stark: currently, both citizens and leaders are conducting themselves with a sense of detachment, as if their decisions have no real impact. Robson challenges readers to ask, "Is it true?" and reflects on whether it's possible that society is acting with such foolish disregard.
Fiscal Irresponsibility and Economic Disregard
One of the most glaring examples cited is the record non-pandemic deficit of $78.3 billion, which continues to balloon due to what Robson describes as "blithe fiscal incontinence." He points to a parade of press releases that frame subsidies as "investments," such as a recent $797,557 grant for the Eviance project supporting women entrepreneurs with disabilities. This, he argues, exemplifies how even words have lost meaning in political discourse. The government's approach to spending, coupled with a lack of accountability, suggests that prosperity and economic stability no longer hold weight in policy decisions.
Leadership Failures and Public Indifference
Robson criticizes Prime Minister Carney for making grand promises, such as sweeping aside internal trade barriers and accelerating infrastructure projects, only to fail in execution without facing public backlash. He highlights excessive spending, including over $300,000 on in-flight catering and nearly half a million on hotels, as signs of detached entitlement. Moreover, Carney's carbon hypocrisy and preference for international gallivanting over domestic governance are noted, with Robson quipping that given his lack of achievements at his desk, he might as well be abroad. Despite these issues, public apathy remains high, with no significant dent in political popularity.
Housing Policy and Defense Procurement Debacles
The housing crisis is another area where Robson sees a disconnect between rhetoric and reality. He describes housing policy as a blight on lives and social cohesion, with the dream of home ownership turning into a nightmare. Despite endless press releases about "supercharging" housing, starts have declined, yet this failure prompts no policy changes or electoral consequences. Similarly, defense procurement is highlighted as a hopeless mess, with decades of mismanagement, such as the Department of National Defense spending hundreds of millions on rented transport due to poor logistics. Robson argues that this reflects a broader belief that national security and military readiness don't matter, as no one is held accountable.
The Cycle of Incompetence and Partisanship
Robson concludes by noting a vicious cycle where rank incompetence meets raw partisan advantage, making it difficult to discern which is driving policy failures. He cites examples like the Privy Council Office flubbing access to information requests, where promises of openness are followed by secrecy, yet re-election occurs regardless. This reinforces the idea that accountability has evaporated, and nothing—from fiscal responsibility to national defense—truly matters in the current political landscape. The article serves as a stark warning about the dangers of apathy and the need for Canadians to reclaim a sense of urgency in governance.
