Finding Out For Ourselves (a more than a tweet deep dive into what’s at stake in Canada)

This week, I found myself deeply unsettled. Several neighbours and friends - people I trust and care about - expressed their support for Pierre Poilievre while we were having neighbourly conversations about the state of the world. These are thoughtful, well-meaning people who genuinely want the best for Canada. As I listened, I felt frustrated and dismayed - how could anyone who cares about goodness support him? But then I caught myself. That kind of division - the impulse to write people off, to quietly disdain them and to then dismiss them as ignorant or misguided - is exactly how the USA got to where they are today. 

So instead of sitting in my anger, I turned to curiosity. And I realized something: I didn’t actually know enough about Poilievre either. Most of my impressions of him came from snippets of media, conversations with politically engaged friends, and the general sense I had picked up from those I trust. But I had never really done my own deep digging.

And that made me wonder, how many of the people who support him have done and are doing the same? How many of us, on either side of the conversation, have formed our opinions based on tweets, headlines, and soundbites rather than real research?

We are at a moment in history where we must wake up, pay attention, and participate fully in our democracy. If we don’t, we risk losing it. We are not safe just because we won our rights and freedoms in the past (a hard won fight, I am sure you remember)

If you know me well, you know that I’ve avoided politics and the news media for most of my life; I find them, for the most part, volatile, angry and sensational. Writing and sharing something like this is deeply out of character for me. But I felt an urgent need to understand who this man is, what he has stood for, and what he is capable of so that I wouldn't just be reacting based on instinct or hearsay.

So I did some research. I’m sharing it with you today, not to attack or alienate, but in the spirit of connection and discovery. If you believe Poilievre is a good choice for Canada, what are you basing this on? Are you open to learning more to see if this assumption is actually true?

I would rather be in my art studio playing with paint, don’t get me wrong. But the time has come when we all must roll up our sleeves and dig a little deeper than the tweets.

What my research has led me to discover so far

Pierre Poilievre presents himself as a champion of economic freedom, but his policies raise concerns about their real impact on Canadians. His economic policies favor deregulation, corporate tax cuts, and reduced government spending, which could lead to weakened social services, increased income inequality, and economic instability for working-class Canadians. While he promotes "economic freedom," his approach sure does seem to prioritize corporate interests over everyday people (source).

In terms of labour relations, Poilievre has a history of opposing unions and workers' rights. He has supported anti-labour legislation that weakens collective bargaining and makes it harder for workers to organize. If he becomes Prime Minister, labour protections could be rolled back, wages may stagnate, and job security could erode, making life harder for millions of working Canadians (source).

On environmental policies, Poilievre is a vocal critic of climate regulations, carbon pricing, and clean energy initiatives. He has pledged to scrap Canada's carbon tax and loosen regulations on oil and gas companies, which could slow down climate action and increase pollution. His policies align with fossil fuel industry interests rather than prioritizing a sustainable future for Canadians (source).

Poilievre’s cryptocurrency advocacy is another red flag. He wants to make Canada a global hub for Bitcoin and has even suggested the government invest in a national Bitcoin reserve. Given how volatile crypto markets are, this could expose Canadians to major financial risks. His associations with controversial crypto figures also raise concerns about his judgment in managing the economy (source).

It sure does seem like if Poilievre were to lead Canada, the country could see weakened workers' rights, environmental backsliding, economic policies that favour the wealthy, and risky financial experiments with cryptocurrency.

While he promotes the idea of "freedom," when you look at the likely real-world consequences of his policies it seems like they could actually make life harder for many Canadians.

Voting Record on Social Issues

Abortion

Poilievre has articulated a pro-choice stance on abortion, stating that a government under his leadership would not introduce or pass legislation restricting abortion rights. He has also affirmed that he would not invoke the notwithstanding clause to limit these rights. (CTV News)

Despite these assurances, Poilievre’s voting record includes instances where he supported anti-abortion legislation. For example, he has cast votes in favour of bills that align with anti-choice positions. (Castanet)

Additionally, Poilievre has indicated that he would permit Conservative MPs to introduce private members bills on abortion and allow free votes on such matters. This approach mirrors that of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper. (True North)

I’m deeply concerned that Poilievre’s past support for anti-abortion legislation and his openness to private members' bills on the subject raise questions about his commitment to maintaining abortion rights. (Rabble)

While Poilievre publicly identifies as pro-choice and has pledged not to legislate on abortion, his historical voting patterns and policy positions suggest a very different reality would be possible under his leadership. 

Same-Sex Marriage

In 2005, Poilievre voted against the Civil Marriage Act, which legalized same-sex marriage in Canada (Legislative Assembly of Canada). 

In the mid-2000s, Poilievre opposed same-sex marriage, voting in 2006 to repeal Canada’s same-sex marriage law. He justified his position by stating that marriage should be preserved as a union between one man and one woman. 

In recent years, Poilievre has publicly changed his stance. In a 2020 interview, he stated, “I am in favour of gay marriage. Period. I voted against it 15 years ago. But I have learned a lot, like millions and millions of people across Canada and around the world. I see that gay marriage is a success.” 

Despite this shift, something about this leaves me skeptical; I question his past voting record and have concerns about the sincerity of his change in position. His earlier opposition to same-sex marriage raises questions about his commitment to LGBTQ+ rights. 

ECONOMIC POLICIES

Pierre Poilievre's economic policies have garnered criticism for potentially undermining social justice and Canadian sovereignty. His advocacy for fiscal conservatism emphasizes reducing government intervention and cutting taxes, which some argue could lead to diminished public services and increased inequality. This approach would likely disproportionately affect marginalized communities by limiting access to essential services like healthcare and education, thereby exacerbating social disparities [https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2024/04/26/What-We-Risk-Normalizing-Poilievre-Politics/].

Furthermore, Poilievre's support for deregulation and expansion of the energy sector, particularly in liquefied natural gas (LNG) development, raises environmental and sovereignty concerns. His push for increased gas development has alarmed climate change experts, especially amid evidence of declining global LNG demand. This stance could compromise Canada's environmental commitments and its control over natural resources [https://www.desmog.com/2025/02/06/pierre-poilievre-keen-on-canadian-lng-despite-economic-and-environmental-risk/].

Poilievre's criticism of the Bank of Canada and promotion of cryptocurrencies have been met with skepticism. His attacks on the central bank and misrepresentation of the carbon tax's role in driving inflation have been criticized by economists and academics. Such positions may undermine trust in established financial institutions and destabilize the nation's monetary system [https://www.nationalobserver.com/2023/03/07/opinion/pierre-poilievre-experts].

Retirement Age: Poilievre has advocated for raising the retirement age from 65 to 67, arguing that it reflects increased life expectancy and would help sustain the pension system (Globe and Mail). Critics argue that this could disproportionately affect low-income seniors.

Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP): He has proposed reforms to OAS and CPP, including potential reductions in benefits, aiming to address fiscal sustainability (CTV News). Opponents express concern over the potential negative impact on retirees financial security.

ECONOMIC VIEWS

Pierre Poilievre is a strong supporter of cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin. He believes digital currencies can protect Canadians from inflation and wants to make Canada a global leader in blockchain and crypto innovation. Some experts even suggest that, under his leadership, Canada might create a national Bitcoin reserve, meaning the government would invest in Bitcoin as a financial asset.

While this might appeal to crypto enthusiasts, it comes with risks. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile, meaning their value can rise and fall dramatically. If Canada were to tie part of its economy to Bitcoin, it could create financial instability. Additionally, Poilievre has aligned himself with controversial crypto figures, raising concerns about his judgment in handling the country’s financial future.

If he becomes Prime Minister, Canada could see fewer regulations on crypto and more government involvement in digital assets. While this could encourage innovation, it could also expose Canadians to greater financial risks, especially if the market crashes. His leadership would likely push Canada toward a more crypto-friendly economy, but whether that benefits the average citizen remains uncertain.

LABOR RELATIONS POLICIES

Use of Replacement Workers

Pierre Poilievre's labor relations policies have been a subject of significant criticism, with many arguing that they could undermine workers' rights and weaken the labor movement in Canada. A notable point of contention is his support for "right-to-work" legislation, which allows workers to opt out of union membership and dues. Such laws, while framed as promoting individual freedom, effectively weaken unions by reducing their financial resources and bargaining power. This weakening can lead to lower wages and diminished job security for workers. Evidence from regions where right-to-work laws have been implemented indicates a correlation with reduced wages and benefits, suggesting that adopting similar policies in Canada could have adverse effects on the working class [https://afl.org/blog-pierre-poilievres-union-policy-will-pulverize-paycheques/].

Poilievre has consistently voted against measures aimed at increasing the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, a policy designed to uplift low-income workers and reduce poverty. Such opposition suggests a reluctance to support initiatives that directly benefit the working class. Additionally, his past support for right-to-work laws, which originated in the U.S. South to weaken unions, has been viewed as an attack on organized labor. Even within his party, these views were once considered too extreme, highlighting the potential risks his policies pose to labor rights in Canada [https://rabble.ca/columnists/poilievre-says-he-supports-workers-but-not-when-theyre-on-the-picket-line/].

Labor organizations have expressed deep concerns regarding Poilievre's track record. The Canadian Labour Congress, for instance, has highlighted his history of opposing workers' rights and siding with corporate interests over everyday people. They caution that his leadership could lead to policies that favor profitable corporations at the expense of working families, potentially resulting in cuts to essential services like healthcare. Such actions could exacerbate social inequalities and erode the social safety net that many Canadians rely upon [https://canadianlabour.ca/poilievre-and-the-conservatives-cant-be-trusted-to-stand-up-for-workers/].

While Pierre Poilievre positions himself as a proponent of individual freedoms and economic growth, his labor relations policies raise significant concerns. His support for right-to-work legislation and opposition to wage increases could weaken unions, suppress wages, and undermine workers' rights, ultimately challenging the principles of a just and sovereign Canada.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES

 Climate Change Legislation: Throughout his 20-year tenure as an MP, Poilievre has voted against various environmental and climate-related bills nearly 400 times, including measures aimed at holding mining companies accountable and moving Canada closer to its climate targets (DeSmog Canada).

Pierre Poilievre's environmental policies have been widely criticized for their potential to weaken Canada’s climate commitments and sustainability efforts. 

One of Poilievre’s key promises is to repeal the federal carbon tax, arguing that it places an unfair financial burden on Canadians. While his position resonates with those concerned about rising costs, economists and environmental advocates warn that eliminating carbon pricing could significantly hinder Canada’s ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet international climate targets [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_pricing_in_Canada]. Without a robust carbon pricing system, experts caution that Canada could fall behind in transitioning to a greener economy and face increased climate-related economic risks.

In addition, Poilievre has strongly advocated for expanding Canada's liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector, despite growing evidence of declining global demand. His stance has alarmed climate scientists and economists who argue that continued reliance on fossil fuel development could lead to environmental degradation and economic instability. Investing in LNG infrastructure while other countries move toward renewable energy may leave Canada with stranded assets and increased carbon emissions [https://www.desmog.com/2025/02/06/pierre-poilievre-keen-on-canadian-lng-despite-economic-and-environmental-risk/].

Poilievre has also used inflammatory rhetoric against environmental advocates, referring to them as “loons that hate our energy sector.” This dismissive attitude, combined with the absence of detailed environmental policies in his party’s platform, has raised concerns that his leadership may not prioritize environmental protection or biodiversity [https://thenarwhal.ca/manitoba-environment-poilievre/].

Poilievre’s environmental policies, including his opposition to carbon pricing, support for fossil fuel expansion, and antagonism toward environmental advocacy, suggest that his leadership could pose risks to Canada’s climate commitments and environmental sustainability. His positions prioritize short-term economic interests over long-term ecological and economic stability.

SUPPORT FOR PROTESTS

Freedom Convoy Support: Poilievre expressed support for the 2022 Freedom Convoy protests against COVID-19 vaccine mandates, which disrupted Ottawa and border crossings (National Post). He provided coffee and donuts to protesters, endorsing unlawful protests.

INFLATION AND MONETARY POLICY

Critique of Government Spending: He has blamed government spending under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for causing inflation, despite evidence that inflation was a global phenomenon during that period (Bank of Canada). Analysts note that factors such as supply chain disruptions and global energy prices also played significant roles.

One of the most concerning aspects of Pierre Poilievre’s approach to inflation and monetary policy is his push to reduce the role of the Bank of Canada and his promotion of alternative, volatile financial systems like cryptocurrency. He has repeatedly blamed the central bank for inflation, despite global economic factors playing a significant role, and has even suggested firing the Bank of Canada governor—an unprecedented move that could undermine the independence of Canada’s monetary policy (source). Poilievre’s claim that Bitcoin could help Canadians "opt out" of inflation is particularly alarming, given the extreme volatility of cryptocurrencies, which have seen massive crashes wiping out billions of dollars in value. If Canada were to embrace such policies, the country could face financial instability, weakened trust in its institutions, and greater economic uncertainty for everyday Canadians.

CHARTER RIGHTS

Poilievre has indicated he would consider using the notwithstanding clause, which allows federal or provincial governments to override certain Charter rights temporarily (Toronto Star) which could erode fundamental rights.

SOCIAL PROGRAMS

Pharmacare and Dental Care: He has publicly stated that he would not support universal pharmacare and dental care programs, expressing concerns over costs and government overreach (Global News). Advocates for these programs argue they are essential for public health and equity.

FOREIGN POLICY STANCES

 Aid to Ukraine: Poilievre has voted against certain aid packages to Ukraine, citing concerns over fiscal responsibility and the effectiveness of the aid (CBC News). Critics argue that such positions could weaken Canada’s s support for international allies.