Pierre Poilievre Threatens Core Canadian Values

Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, often finds himself at odds with core values that have historically defined Canadian identity. While Poilievre’s supporters argue that his approach reflects a more pragmatic, fiscally conservative vision for Canada, we contend that his populist, anti-establishment rhetoric and focus on reducing the size of government do not align with the more progressive, inclusive vision that has historically been central to Canada’s identity. 

In 1968, Pierre Trudeau was elected as Prime Minister of Canada. Over the next 8 years, he would transform the country socially and politically, creating the modern Canadian identity that still persists. His vision of "core Canadian values" was deeply connected to Canada's ongoing commitment to individual rights, multiculturalism, national unity, and liberal democracy. In 1971, he established the Multiculturalism Act, the first of its kind in the world, whose primary objectives included recognizing and preserving the multicultural heritage of Canadians. Trudeau also believed in a social safety net that provided Canadians with access to healthcare, education, and other public services. He was a supporter of policies that aimed to reduce poverty and inequality, seeing government intervention as a tool to achieve a more equitable society. He was also a secular leader who championed the idea that religious views should not dictate government policies. Moreover, Trudeau’s view of Canadian nationalism was not rooted in ethnic or cultural homogeneity, but in the idea that Canada’s diversity was its strength. He rejected the notion of a single "Canadian identity" defined by a particular ethnicity or region and instead embraced a more inclusive, pluralistic vision of national unity.

Under Trudeau's leadership,  the modern Canadian identity and core values solidified. These core values included an emphasis on inclusion, tolerance, and the celebration of diverse cultural identities within Canadian society. To be a Canadian meant to believe in social justice, economic equality, and the importance of public services in ensuring a fair and just society. Trudeau's core Canadian values of multiculturalism, rights protection, and social justice continue to resonate in Canadian politics today, with many seeing them as fundamental to what it means to be Canadian. Not only do these core values dictate how we view ourselves, but also how we as Canadians are perceived by outsiders. 

Pierre Poilievre and his "Common-Sense Conservatives" movement threaten the very core of what it means to be a Canadian. For years, Conservative governments did not dare to try and undermine Trudeau's core Canadian values, at least not in any meaningful way. Poilievre has boldly and loudly deviated from this norm. But now, Canadian principles rooted deep in our shared history, like multiculturalism and public welfare, are being redefined as "woke" by Poilievre's Conservative Party. Poilievre has also been critical of government spending and programs that he views as inefficient or overly burdensome on taxpayers. While he advocates for individual empowerment, smaller government, and tax cuts, his policies do not prioritize social safety nets or the public services that have come to define the Canadian welfare state that has been the envy of the world for generations. Pierre Trudeau was even forward-thinking on environmental issues, as his government established the foundation for Canada’s environmental policies over 50 years ago. Poilievre, on the other hand, has been openly critical of policies aimed at combating climate change, particularly carbon pricing. He has called for rolling back environmental regulations, which contradict the global push toward sustainability and action on climate change.

Trudeau's strong advocation for social justice and equality, which he enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, solidified within the Canadian identity this idea that we are all equal regardless of race, gender, or background. Poilievre, on the other hand, often critiques these policies as disproportionately benefiting specific social groups, especially in terms of progressive or "woke" initiatives. His rhetoric tends to downplay systemic inequality and the need for government action to rectify historical wrongs, focusing instead on individual responsibility and free-market solutions.

In conclusion, much like Pierre Trudeau sought to redefine the Canadian identity over 50 years ago, Pierre Poilievre also aims to reshape it. While Trudeau's vision was rooted in multiculturalism, social justice, inclusivity, and addressing inequality, Poilievre's version of Canadian identity appears to be grounded in fear, anger, and the scapegoating of marginalized communities.