Pierre Poilievre, the Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, addressed reporters in Vancouver, delivering a speech that touched on his personal history and the economic struggles facing Canadians.
Poilievre lambasted the federal government for its handling of the economy. He blamed what he termed “Justinflation” and “punishing carbon taxes” for making life unaffordable for many Canadians. “After nine years of the Liberal and NDP government, doubling the debt and printing $700 billion, the vast majority of Canadians are struggling just to eat, heat, and house themselves,” he asserted.
Poilievre painted a bleak picture of the current economic landscape, citing rising costs of living and inflated housing markets, particularly in Vancouver. He criticized the carbon tax, suggesting that it has significantly contributed to high fuel prices, making vacations unaffordable for many families. “When they show up at the pumps to gas up if they do go on a family vacation, they’re forced to pay $2 a litre here in British Columbia,” he noted.
Highlighting the impact of these economic policies, Poilievre mentioned the growing number of Canadians relying on food banks and even resorting to dumpster diving for sustenance. “No wonder 2 million Canadians are stuck at food banks every single month,” he said, adding that many have joined online groups to share tips on finding food in garbage bins.
Turning to housing, Poilievre criticized the current administration for making home ownership an unattainable dream for many, especially in Vancouver. “Vancouver is now the third most overpriced housing market in the entire world,” he said, noting that the average family needs more than 100% of their pre-tax income to afford monthly mortgage payments.
Despite the grim assessment, Poilievre offered hope, promising that a Conservative government would reverse these trends. He pledged to “ax the tax,” build more homes, balance the budget, and tackle crime, aiming to restore a sense of affordability and security. “Common Sense conservatives will bring home a country where hard work pays off with a powerful paycheck and pension that buy affordable food, gas, and homes in safe neighborhoods,” he declared.
In a concrete policy proposal, Poilievre called for a temporary suspension of gas and diesel taxes from Victoria Day to Labour Day, which he claimed would reduce fuel prices by 35 cents per litre. This “summer break” would give families the financial relief needed to enjoy vacations and leisure activities. “Canadians need that now more than ever with how miserable things are going in this country of ours,” he emphasized.
Addressing questions from reporters, Poilievre reiterated his stance on several key issues. When asked about the proposed increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, he confirmed that such an increase had been removed from the budget. On the topic of federal employees returning to office work, Poilievre criticized the government’s expansion of the public service and the inefficiency he sees in service delivery. “Everyone should be working five days a week,” he stated, promising a more efficient and accountable government.
Regarding unethical lobbying and government spending on events like the FIFA World Cup, Poilievre advocated for stricter regulations and fiscal responsibility. He pointed to the Accountability Act introduced under the Harper government as a step in the right direction and called for further measures to curb the influence of corporate lobbyists. “We need to protect taxpayers,” he said, expressing skepticism about federal spending on non-essential projects.
In response to a question about climate policies and the stigmatization of certain industries, Poilievre defended the working class and criticized the federal government’s environmental policies as extreme and counterproductive. He argued for a balanced approach that supports domestic industries while reducing global emissions. “We will green light big resource projects to bring home production to the most environmentally responsible country on Earth,” he pledged.
Concluding his speech, Poilievre reiterated his vision for a Canada where hard work is rewarded and families can thrive. “Let’s bring it home,” he urged, calling for a return to common-sense policies that prioritize the well-being of everyday Canadians.