Understanding the Evolution of Political Labels and Their Implications for Voting
The terms “Liberal” and “Conservative” have shifted so radically that they may no longer represent what you think they do. Over time, economic and social changes have altered the meaning of these political labels, leading to overlap and confusion. In this essay, I revisit these terms and argue that political parties, regardless of their labels, have shifted drastically to the right. Voting Liberal today is akin to voting Conservative, and voting Conservative increasingly aligns with far-right, even fascist, ideologies. While the United States may already be lost to this shift, Canada’s vote might still moderate the tide.
The term “liberal” encompasses a broad philosophy emphasizing individual freedoms, democracy, and equality. Classical liberalism focuses on free markets, while modern liberalism advocates for social justice and government intervention. “Liberal” (capitalized), however, refers to specific parties like Canada’s Liberal Party, which selectively apply these principles based on pragmatic goals.
Similarly, “conservative” describes a philosophy of tradition, stability, and cautious change. It values institutions, cultural heritage, and individual responsibility. “Conservative” (capitalized), as in the Conservative Party of Canada, represents an entity that shapes its policies through a mix of ideology and political strategy.
Both terms are fluid and context-dependent. In North America, liberalism is often conflated with left-wing politics, yet its classical roots emphasize free markets and limited government. Similarly, conservatism’s alignment with right-wing values overlooks its potential to support interventionist policies when they serve tradition and stability.
Over time, neoliberalism has heavily influenced political parties across the spectrum. Advocating free markets, deregulation, and privatization, neoliberalism prioritizes economic efficiency over social equity. Liberals and Conservatives alike have embraced these policies, blurring traditional divides. This shift has exacerbated inequality and weakened public institutions, as Liberal policies increasingly resemble conservative economic priorities.
Meanwhile, segments of Conservative and Republican parties have shifted toward far-right ideologies, embracing populism, nationalism, and authoritarianism. This includes “us vs. them” rhetoric targeting immigrants, and minorities, alongside a focus on centralized power, misinformation, and conspiracy theories. These trends echo historical patterns of fascism, raising serious concerns for democracy and pluralism.
In contrast, truly left-wing ideologies prioritize equality, collective welfare, and systemic change. They challenge entrenched hierarchies and capitalist structures through wealth redistribution, public ownership, and labor rights. In Canada, however, parties like the NDP and Greens fall short of these goals, working instead within capitalist frameworks with centrist strategies.
As political landscapes shift, I reflect deeply on my vote each election. Over the years, I’ve supported most political parties. By day, practicality inclines me toward Liberal, NDP, or Green policies. By night, I identify with far-left values, unaffiliated with any party. How do we reconcile these contradictions? One approach is voting locally, disregarding party ideologies and focusing on candidates’ direct impacts. If enough voters did this, it could shift the questions asked and influence federal politics.
The shift to the far right is disturbing. Change doesn’t require a majority, just a strong minority of voters to light the way. Think critically about your vote—it matters more than ever.
Last Updated on May 13, 2025 | Published: January 21, 2025