John Stuart Mill, a classical liberal philosopher, cautioned that free institutions struggle to thrive in nations composed of diverse nationalities. He argued that without a unified public opinion, representative government lacks the necessary common sympathies and cultural foundations to function effectively. Mill warned that even institutions like the military could lose their connection to the populace, becoming merely another arm of the state.

Mill's insights highlight a pressing issue in Canada today: the need to rediscover a collective identity. This challenge arises from the clash between this essential premise and modern liberalism, which often overlooks the cultural underpinnings of rights and markets. Many classical liberal thinkers operated within a robust cultural context that they assumed would endure, though they seldom acknowledged it explicitly.

For instance, Adam Smith, often misinterpreted as a proponent of unrestricted consumerism, actually argued for free trade to serve the common good. He believed that national defense was paramount, stating, "defence… is of much more importance than opulence." Smith viewed certain regulations, like the Act of Navigation, as vital for national security, emphasizing the need for a cohesive society.

Canada's founding statesman, Sir John A. Macdonald, was not a liberal in the modern sense. The Constitution Act of 1867 aimed to unite the two founding peoples, the Anglos and the French, into a single North American entity. However, the two groups have struggled to achieve lasting cultural unity, a challenge reflected in the ongoing Quebec question in Canadian history.

Following World War II, the federal government expanded its role, attempting to reconcile with a nationalist Quebec through various institutions. This led to the establishment of official bilingualism and a more extensive welfare state, which were intended to bridge the cultural divide. However, the outcome has been a larger federal apparatus, while Quebec continues to assert its distinct nationhood, resisting integration into an English-speaking framework.

American political theorist Patrick Deneen has discussed the paradox of liberalism as it evolves into an administrative state. He argues that liberalism has not failed due to shortcomings but has remained true to its principles. By dismantling traditional structures like family and community, liberalism creates a void that is filled by an expanding centralized government. As social bonds weaken, individuals become more reliant on bureaucratic governance.

In the United States, the Founding Fathers were not purely liberal thinkers. Many were raised in hierarchical societies that valued shared culture and honor. Their vision of liberty was predicated on the existence of a cohesive people with common values and traditions. Today, Canada is more diverse and less confident in its historical identity, often attempting to replace its national narrative.

Technocratic liberals, such as Mark Carney, may reference classical economic theories while neglecting the cultural contexts in which these ideas were developed. Canada's immigration and multicultural policies have reached unprecedented levels, often without considering the social trust necessary to support such diversity. A 2022 Ipsos survey revealed that only 33 percent of Canadians felt they could trust most people, coinciding with declining trust in government.

Building social trust is a complex process that cannot be taken for granted. The current approach to multiculturalism has led to increased ethnic divisions and clientelism in politics. Canada risks evolving from two historical solitudes into a fragmented society composed of various cultural enclaves, connected only by minimal financial obligations.

To foster a high-trust society, Canada needs strong institutions and a shared cultural foundation. It is essential to acknowledge the country's primarily Anglo heritage, which has shaped its language, norms, and expectations of governance. A minimal government role is crucial, as common cultural norms can fulfill many societal needs. Mill himself noted that a representative government would falter without a unified public opinion.

Immigration, industry, and education are not neutral processes; they can either cultivate the trust and cohesion necessary for meaningful liberty or contribute to societal fragmentation. In some provinces, educational content has raised concerns, with students being taught concepts that may not align with a cohesive national identity.

To restore the middle institutions of families and local communities, Canadians must feel secure enough to build families and view each other as fellow citizens rather than isolated individuals. As trust among Canadians grows, the need for extensive government intervention diminishes. A society can thrive with a limited government when its people are united. Without a shared identity, liberty risks devolving into mere self-interest and factionalism. Mill recognized this in the 19th century, and contemporary thinkers like Deneen echo these concerns today. The choice for Canadians is clear: to live as a united nation rather than be governed by distant authorities.