The sad thing is that populist politics are on the rise and ruining lots of respectable social institutions. I think the Internet is partially to blame for that since it enables self-amplifying echo chambers with absolutely zero opportunity for actual dialogue. In fact, dialogue is replaced with demonization of the 'other' - whoever that may be.
I don't know about canukistan, but in the States schoolchildren are indoctrinated with the idea that democracy is a desirable end in and of itself. People cannot fathom why we don't select the president based on a national popular election.
What's worse, as you allude to, is that people are using populism to dictate behavior beyond even governmental institutions--hold an unpopular view and we will shame someone with the power over you to take your property and prevent you from your livelihood. (See Donald sterling or the Duck Dynasty patriarch)