Written By David Gomez
A few weeks ago, I received an email from a reader accusing me of being “too leftist” in my opinion pieces. While it didn’t offend me, I believe it’s important to clarify some points—especially as political labels are thrown around far too easily these days, often without understanding the systems being discussed.
I live in this beautiful part of Ontario, but I am originally from Peru, a country that has suffered under both far-left and far-right regimes. I know firsthand the damage that extremism—on either side—can cause. That’s why I find it almost comical when I hear some people claim that this country is a leftist state, or worse, a communist one. These ideas are not only unfounded, they ignore the very structure of Canadian democracy.
Canada is not a leftist country. It is a liberal democracy with a mixed-market economy. The existence of universal healthcare, public education, and certain social protections does not equate to socialism, nor does it mean the state is on the verge of communism. These are civilizational achievements, not ideological threats.
Personally, I believe in the free market. I think it’s essential for innovation, economic growth, and individual empowerment. But I also believe the state must be strong—strong not to control every detail of private life, but to protect the system itself: the democratic process, the rights of citizens, and the fundamental rules that allow both businesses and communities to thrive.
Defending human rights, denouncing injustice, or calling out abuse of power does not make me part of a political spectrum. It makes me someone committed to principles. Philosopher Karl Popper once said, “There is no freedom without authority. Freedom unrestrained leads to the arbitrary power of the strong over the weak.” That is the essential point: the state must serve to balance, not dominate. To regulate, not to repress.
On issues like the war in the Middle East or the war in Ukraine, I have also been accused of ideological bias. But my positions are based on human rights, not partisan agendas. I believe Vladimir Putin must be held accountable for the violent and illegal occupation of Ukrainian territory. And I also believe that what is happening in Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe: a slow and deliberate form of ethnic erasure. The Netanyahu government is committing genocide in full view of the world. To remain silent on either of these issues would be a betrayal of conscience.
I am also strongly opposed to Trump-style protectionism, which is so abusive that we might find similarities with communist systems. I find Trump’s invasive ideas, which seek to transform Canada into an extension of American conservatism, repulsive and insulting. Canada is a free and sovereign country, and always will be.
Being principled is not the same as being partisan. And in today’s climate, we need more people willing to think, not just choose sides.
