Conservative leader strikes anger and fear

Re: Justin Trudeau fails to unite Canadians (Herald letters, Feb. 24)

Wayne Martineau writes: “Pierre Poilievre goes as far as saying that this was an emergency created by Justin Trudeau.”

Poilievre — “Skippy” to fans and foes alike — is the same guy who said: “I want to make Canada the block chain capital of the world.”

Is Poilievre going to disown the “freedom convoy” protests that launched his campaign for the Conservative leadership? Not likely.

On Feb. 17, Poilievre spoke to reporters. It was mind-numbing to watch.

With his typical robot-like delivery, Poilievre also blamed Trudeau for: hungry, helpless and desperate people; people with mental health issues; people who want to end their lives; high food and gas prices; high inflation; the cost of housing, mortgage payments and rents; high interest rates; tax hikes; students living in shelters; 30-yearolds living in their parents’ basements; homeless people; imposing “unnecessary” and “unscientific” rules; the 30,000 people who have died of drug overdoses; the public health crisis; the crime rate; hurting our environment; lack of freedom of speech; lack of freedom of expression; and “covering up” information about foreign interference from Beijing in our federal elections.

Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety, had written to all MPs in 2020 about the threat to our elections from foreign participants. Did Poilievre not receive the letter?

The only things Poilievre “didn’t” blame Trudeau for was the Chinese balloon that entered Canadian airspace, and the unidentified object observed near Manitoulin Island. Perhaps he’s saving these accusations for later.

Millions of far-right and libertarian Canadians believe everything Poilievre says, just like the millions of MAGA Republicans who believe Agent Orange. Poilievre ended his speech with his mantra: “Everything feels broken in Canada. But we can fix it.”

“Broken” has become a cliché to stir up fear and anger. Poilievre’s comment is not that different from what Trump said in 2016: “I alone can fix it.”

Every nation faces problems, but Canada isn’t broken. Canada is experiencing the challenges of the post-COVID world, intensified by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its impact on food and energy prices.

To check everything Poilievre said in his 22 minutes would be time-consuming. The website “PPW: Pierre Poilievre Watch” should be created, where reporters can fact check everything Poilievre says.

Go to CBC TV’s “22 Minutes” YouTube channel to watch a parody of Poilievre that displays his prickly personality: “Don’t Call Me PeePee.”

David Buckna Kelowna