(OTTAWA) Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre accuses Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of shirking his responsibilities in the face of the rising cost of living, rising crime rates in big cities, the chaos that at airports and the growing number of migrants crossing the border irregularly at Roxham Road.
In a 20-minute speech to his troops three days before the resumption of parliamentary work, Mr. Poilievre urged the Prime Minister to give up his post altogether if he is unable to resolve the problems that are multiplying and disturbing the lives of ordinary Canadians.
“What is happening in our country? There is a big increase in crime, in the cost of living, in drug deaths, total chaos in our airports. Everything seems to be broken. But Justin Trudeau will be offended that I said that. He thinks that if we don’t talk about the problems he caused, that these problems will be forgotten, ”launched the Conservative leader from the outset.
He recalled that Justin Trudeau sharply criticized him for saying Canada was “broken” during a speech to some 2,000 Liberal supporters in December in Ottawa.
PHOTO PATRICK DOYLE, REUTERS
Pierre Poilievre
“He said things have never looked better for Canadians in this speech. You know what ? He is right ! For the people in this room, things have never been better than they are now. The people in this room who have received a 100% increase in lobbying and consulting contracts since he came to power, for them, things are going very well,” he quipped.
He also alluded to the contracts awarded to the firm McKinsey, the value of which has risen to $100 million since the Liberals came to power compared to $2 million under the Conservatives.
“Things are going well for McKinsey. I’m very good ! Yes you are right. For your little liberal friends, Justin, it’s going great. But there’s pain in the faces, Justin, that you don’t see. There’s pain in the voice you don’t hear. There is distress and disorder in the places you don’t go,” the Conservative leader said.
Mr. Poilievre then invited the Prime Minister to take him on a tour of grocery stores, airports and homelessness centers to see that things were not quite right.
“If you don’t believe me that there is suffering in our country, my dear Justin, come with me to northern Ontario where the elderly have to live in the cold because they can’t afford your carbon tax on their heating,” he also said.
The Conservative leader went on to accuse the Prime Minister of blaming others for the problems that Canadians face every day.
“Justin Trudeau is going to say that he is not responsible for any of this. It’s someone else’s fault. He has been in power for just eight years. […] But if Justin Trudeau can’t do anything about these issues, why is he here? If he can’t do anything, let him go. […] We will turn Canadians’ pain into hope,” he said.
He then listed some of the promises he has unveiled so far, including freezing government spending, returning to balanced budgets and quickly recognizing the skills of newcomers, including doctors and nurses.
The House of Commons resumes Monday after a six-week recess. The Liberal Party is also holding a two-day caucus to prepare for the start of the school year.