Conservative Member of Parliament Jamil Jivani is issuing a stark warning about a growing crisis among young men in Canada. He argues that if the political establishment continues to ignore their struggles, it risks pushing a generation toward extremist ideologies.
A Crisis Supported by Data
Jivani points to federal statistics as undeniable proof of the problem. He cites government data showing alarming trends in areas critical to young men's futures: unemployment, drug overdoses, lower educational attainment, homelessness, mental health struggles, and crime. For the MP, this constitutes a clear and present crisis that demands an honest and serious response from the country's leaders.
In his role as an MP, Jivani reports he is actively working to address the issue. His efforts include campus visits to hear directly from young men, raising alarms in House of Commons speeches, launching petitions, and collaborating with community organizations. He has even taken the step of writing an open letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, criticizing the 2025 federal budget for lacking a specific plan to support young men.
Political Pushback and the Risk of Extremism
Despite these efforts, Jivani says he has faced significant personal criticism, often being labeled "Maple MAGA" by fervent Liberal partisans. He contends that this partisan dismissal ignores the legitimate concerns of citizens and overlooks the fact that the Liberal party, in power for over a decade, bears responsibility for the current situation.
The core of Jivani's warning is a dangerous potential consequence. He fears that by ignoring this crisis, the political mainstream will alienate disaffected young men, making them vulnerable to recruitment by extremist actors who have no interest in democratic participation. This, he notes, is not a theoretical risk but a recurring pattern he explored in his first book, Why Young Men.
A Personal Mission to Build Bridges
Jivani's advocacy is deeply personal. He shares that he himself narrowly escaped a path of despair and hopelessness, crediting divine grace, mentors, family, and education. This experience fuels his determination to ensure others do not fall through the cracks.
His current strategy focuses on bridge-building. Through initiatives like "Restore the North" campus events, he aims to create forums where young men from across the political spectrum can voice concerns and ideas. The goal is to demonstrate that there is a legitimate place for them within Canada's democratic framework and that their voices can influence policy.
Jivani concludes with a powerful message: "decline is a choice." He frames Canada's challenges as the result of specific policy decisions made over the past ten years. By empowering young men to participate, he believes the country can forge a better future. The antidote to demoralization, he argues, is to give these citizens a real stake and responsibility in shaping the nation's direction.
