Dear Editor:
The upcoming election may be the most important one in our lifetimes.
One person that isn’t demonstrating a grasp of the gravity of the situation is Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as he continues to repeat rhetorical catch phrases that oversimplify complex issues. Maybe he doesn’t understand, maybe he has so embedded himself into the social media landscape that anything more genuine has become impossible, maybe he needs to placate the pro-Trump contingent now occupying a significant position within the Conservative Party, or maybe he just doesn’t think Canadians are capable of understanding.
It will be a sad day for Canada, with so much at stake, if Poilievre is rewarded for his empty rhetoric that only serves to reinforce polarization and further erode democracy. We are witnessing what is playing out under Trump with this version of politics and we do not want that for Canada.
There are many who vote Conservative in our riding but I hope that before they vote solely on party lines, they think carefully about the choice they are making. Poilievre is not a “traditional” Conservative like Perrin Beatty who served our riding for almost 20 years.
Ontario Premier and PC Party Leader Doug Ford, for good reason, has refused to endorse Poilievre and, in fact, has expressed continued support for Mark Carney’s efforts in dealing with the U.S. On the other hand, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, a supporter of Poilievre, sees Poilievre as being “in sync” with Trump.
It is unfortunate that Wellington-Halton Hills MP Michael Chong, who is respected in our community, remains willing to support Poilievre. He may be relying on the Conservative “brand” to win in this riding but the Conservative Party is not what it was.
The decision of who is best equipped to lead Canada during these extraordinary times is clear. It isn’t Poilievre, a career politician since the age of 25.
Carney has years of leadership experience in providing guidance through economic crises and has repeatedly been endorsed by Conservatives.
When you vote, please vote for what Canada needs right now. Your choice has never been more critical.
Julie Galloway,
Elora