I am a proud Canadian. I deeply love my country, but for some time now, like many of my fellow citizens, I no longer recognize it. The leadership race for the Conservative Party of Canada is an opportunity to reflect on our collective future and to redefine the society we want to bequeath to our children. This is why, after having carefully examined the program of each of the candidates, I have decided to publicly support Pierre Poilievre.
Posted yesterday at 2:00 p.m.
Mr. Poilievre is the candidate with the best chance of uniting his party and leading it to victory in the next federal election. A kind-hearted man, a father and an experienced member of the House of Commons since 2004, he served twice as a minister in Stephen Harper’s cabinet. On the opposition benches, he is a brilliant and effective spokesperson. Young, charismatic, dynamic and accessible, he offers concrete solutions adapted to today’s realities. He embodies common sense. A formidable communicator with a tasty sense of repartee, he expresses himself frankly and does not allow himself to be intimidated. What’s more, he speaks impeccable French – an essential quality for anyone who aspires to the highest office in the country.
Mr. Poilievre is interested in issues that affect people’s daily lives.
He understood that the heaviness of the bureaucracy and the excessive regulation are a brake on the development of the Canadian economy.
He understood that Canada has lost control of its finances and is heading straight for a wall.
He understood that inflation has devastating effects on many families who work so hard to make ends meet and who have to go into debt to be able to live and put bread on the table.
He understood the need to reform the institutions that have let down the interests of Canadian families.
He understood the need to facilitate access to housing and property for young people and families, in a market where one-upmanship has become king.
He understood the need for Canada to regain control of its energy and to end oil imports from countries that flout human rights and environmental standards.
He understood the need to manage public finances responsibly and without the influence of foreign lobbies.
He understood the importance of giving people back full control of their lives so they can move and travel freely and make medical choices without coercion or threat.
He understood that people are tired of being infantilized, intimidated and reprimanded by a government whose only real interest is to achieve political gains.
He understood the importance of respect, dialogue and living together.
He understood that unity is better than division.
He understood that the current government has gone way too far during the pandemic, with the sole aim of getting re-elected – without empathy, without nuance and without regard to the psychological distress and suffering of people.
He understood the need to restore Canada’s reputation and image — deeply tarnished in recent years — on the international scene and to regain the respect of our allies.
He understood that the best way to know people’s concerns is to meet them in the field and listen to them.
He understood that respect for individual freedom, the cornerstone of democracy, is essential to earn the trust of citizens.
He understood what the Canadian people and Canada need, and his program reflects that. With him at the helm of the Conservative Party, Canada has nothing to lose, but everything to gain.
In short, Mr. Poilievre is a breath of fresh air in today’s political landscape suffocated by division and hypocrisy. It embodies renewal, guaranteeing an optimistic and prosperous future.
* Laval municipal councilor since 2013, David De Cotis was deputy mayor of Laval from 2013 to 2018; President of the Société de transport de Laval from 2013 to 2017; and president of Laval Technopole from 2013 to 2017. He is the founder of the municipal party Mouvement lavallois.