Addressing a sizable audience at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg, Pierre Poilievre, Conservative MP for Carleton, led the “Spike the Hike: Axe the Tax Rally” on Thursday, March 28th. The event drew citizens from various parts of Manitoba, eager to hear Poilievre’s arguments against the carbon tax proposed by the Trudeau government.
In his speech, Poilievre wasted no time in laying out his grievances against the carbon tax, which he views as a burdensome levy on everyday Canadians. He underscored the impending 23 percent increase in the carbon tax, slated to take effect in just three days, five hours, and a few minutes, as a direct assault on the wallets of Manitobans.
“The carbon tax is a direct tax on your gas, your home heating, and everything that comes by truck or train,” Poilievre proclaimed. He warned of its repercussions on farmers, seniors, and single mothers, painting a bleak picture of increased poverty and difficult choices for vulnerable populations.
Throughout his address, Poilievre repeatedly emphasized the need for action, urging attendees to pressure local Liberal and NDP MPs to oppose the carbon tax. “We need to spike the hike until common-sense conservatives can axe the tax,” he declared, rallying the crowd to join the fight against what he sees as unjust taxation.
Poilievre then turned his attention to the purported benefits touted by Prime Minister Trudeau regarding the carbon tax, dismissing them as mere rhetoric. He cited data from the Parliamentary Budget Officer to debunk Trudeau’s claims of rebates offsetting the tax burden, asserting that the net loss for Manitoba families would be significant.
Furthermore, Poilievre warned of the dire consequences of a potential quadrupling of the carbon tax over the next five and a half years, predicting a staggering financial burden on Manitobans. He expressed concern for small businesses, farmers, and young job-seekers, painting a grim future under continued Liberal governance.
As Poilievre continued his address, he outlined his vision for a “common-sense government” that prioritizes economic prosperity and individual freedoms. He proposed initiatives to boost domestic production, streamline regulations, and support resource development, positioning himself as a champion of Canadian workers and entrepreneurs.
Amidst cheers and applause from the audience, Poilievre pledged to enact policies aimed at making work more rewarding and homeownership more attainable. He promised to tackle housing affordability, balance the federal budget, and address rising crime rates, presenting himself as a beacon of hope for disillusioned Canadians.
In his closing remarks, Poilievre reiterated his commitment to freedom and empowerment, advocating for the repeal of censorship laws and rejecting mandatory digital identification. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the voices of citizens over bureaucratic elites.