Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Leader, took center stage on Saturday at a "Canada First" rally in Ottawa, delivering a fervent speech aimed at revitalizing his party’s message amidst dwindling poll numbers. The rally, set against a backdrop of nationalistic fervor, was billed as a strategic move to counter the Conservative party's diminishing lead over the Liberals. Poilievre seized the opportunity to lambast the "Carney-Trudeau Liberals," accusing them of enacting policies that have exacerbated the rising cost of living and limited Canada's export potential in the oil and gas sector.
Poilievre's speech was peppered with promises and pledges designed to resonate with conservative values and national pride. He vowed to "end cancel culture and stop the war on our history," pledging to reinstate historical figures in national symbolism, including a return to a Canadian passport featuring Terry Fox and the Fathers of Confederation. In a bold move, he also proposed that new citizens should express gratitude towards those who built the country.
The Conservative Leader’s agenda includes breaking down interprovincial trade barriers, with the aim of making Canada its own biggest trading partner. He articulated a robust stance against foreign tariffs, particularly those from the United States, promising a reciprocal response to any tariff impositions.
"The unjustified tariff threats of President Donald Trump and threats to turn us into the 51st state have united our people to defend the country we love," Poilievre asserted.
He further clarified his position:
"If they put tariffs on our steel and aluminum, I will tariff their steel and aluminum. If he hits us with generalized tariffs, we’ll respond dollar for dollar, carefully targeting American goods we don’t need, can produce ourselves or buy from others to maximize impact on the Americans and minimize it on ourselves."
In an effort to assure Canadians that this would not become a financial burden, he promised:
"Not one penny will go to other government spending. This cannot be a tax grab."
Poilievre criticized the current government’s policies, particularly targeting what he termed as a combination of Trump’s tariffs and Carney’s carbon tax, which he argued could severely damage Canadian industries and jobs.
"Combining Trump’s tariffs with Carney’s carbon tax will decimate our industries and destroy the jobs of our workers," he stated emphatically.
Security and law enforcement were other significant themes in Poilievre’s address. He pledged to secure Canada's borders using military helicopters and surveillance technology. Additionally, he proposed mandatory life sentences for individuals convicted of trafficking more than 40 mg of fentanyl—a move aimed at combating the opioid crisis.
To bolster national defense, Poilievre promised increased defense spending and the establishment of a new Arctic military base, funded by cuts in foreign aid.
The rally also served as an unofficial launchpad for the Conservative campaign against Liberal leadership hopeful Mark Carney. In response to Poilievre’s speech, Carney issued a statement dismissing Poilievre's ideas as outdated, asserting:
"It’s clear that Pierre Poilievre is not that person. No one who runs down Canada will stand up for it. No one who imitates Trump can negotiate with him for Canada. No one who tells you Canada is broken will put Canada first."
Poilievre, however, remains undeterred by such criticisms. He reiterated his commitment to Canadian sovereignty, echoing Sir Wilfrid Laurier's timeless words:
"Let your motto be: Canada first, Canada last, Canada always."
He also reflected on the relevance of the Conservative slogan "axe the tax" in light of Trump’s tariff threats.
