If Pierre Poilievre becomes prime minister he would threaten Canada’s Future

The last thing that Canada needs is to imitate the failures of our neighbour. Unfortunately, Pierre Poilievre is poised to take us in precisely that direction should he become prime minister.

By Fareed Khan

 

Canada, we need to talk — no sugar-coating, no half-measures. As we stand on the brink of another federal election, the future of our nation hangs in the balance. If we don’t pay attention to the risks that lie ahead, we might very well watch our country succumb to the same harmful ideology and political chaos sweeping across the United States under Donald Trump. So as we look at the options available to Canadians it should be noted that a vote for Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre is not a vote for change as he claims.  Rather, it is a direct invitation for Trumpism to take root in Canada.

Let’s look south at the transformation of American politics under Donald Trump. His return to the presidency of the US has ushered in an era defined by misinformation, corruption, extremism and chaos, all of which threaten the very fabric of democracy. Trump’s brand of populism seems to have captivated millions of Americans, leading them to embrace narratives detached from reality — ones that rationalizes hate and bigotry, dismantle democratic norms, and champion chaos. The last thing that Canada needs is to imitate the failures of our neighbour. Unfortunately, Pierre Poilievre is poised to take us in precisely that direction should he become prime minister.

Make no mistake, Poilievre is not your typical politician, he is a wannabe disciple of the MAGA (Make America Great Again) cult, despite claiming otherwise. He offers a brand of far-right conservatism that is distinctly American in its origins, while proposing policies that would corrode the very values Canadians hold dear. The political platform he has been pushing since he became Conservative leader appears less concerned with the welfare of ordinary Canadians and more aligned with the interests of wealthy elites and far right elements in Canada. Poilievre’s rhetoric about “freedom” is hollow since that freedom would only be for those who align with his world view.  But his policies would inevitably erode the rights of a vast majority of Canadians and dismantle policies and programs that sustain them.

There is also the matter of one of the cornerstones of Canadian identity – publicly funded healthcare – an issue on which Poilievre has signalled a willingness to embrace American-style privatization. His cozy relationships with those who champion profits over patient care should alarm anyone who believes that healthcare should be a universal right. Under his leadership, we may witness the slow deconstruction of Canada’s healthcare system as we know it, pushing us towards a society where access to quality care is determined by one’s ability to pay — a far cry from the equitable access that Canadians cherish.

Poilievre was also a very vocal supporter of the so-called “Freedom Convoy,” a movement that was a threat to our democratic institutions, which became synonymous with disinformation, extremism, and even white supremacy. Supporting such a divisive movement was not only a support for insurrection, because of their call to overthrow the federal government, it was also indicative of the dangerous ideology that he is likely to embrace should the Conservatives become the government. Canada cannot afford to have a leader who panders to extremists, racists and bigots who are willing to threaten the collective well-being of Canadians.

If you feel uneasy thinking about this trajectory, you’re not alone. The spectre of American politics is already casting a shadow over Canada. We are faced with the possibility of being engulfed by a divisive and fractious political culture — one where loyalty to a personality supersedes loyalty to principles and Canadian values. Under Poilievre’s watch Canada could find itself marooned in a cycle of misinformation and hyper partisan belligerence, much like what we see unfolding in the US.

Conversely, there is a viable alternative on the political horizon: Mark Carney, the former Bank of Canada governor. Carney embodies the qualities that Canada so desperately needs — a steady hand, intelligence, international experience, and, crucially, a commitment to preserving the integrity of our democracy. He could be the leader that will stand as a bulwark against the toxic influences that threaten to infiltrate our political landscape. Unlike Poilievre, he isn’t a disingenuous figure shouting about “wokeism” and denying the effects of climate change while giving blank cheques to elites.  Canada needs a serious leader for serious times and it looks like Carney might be that person.

Canadians are living through an inflection point in history, a time where we need leadership grounded in reality rather than deceptive and performative politics. Carney is someone who, based on his experience, seems to embody a grounded approach, and understands the complexities of a global economy. In his role as Bank of Canada governor he prioritized the needs of Canadians, and his recent public statements during the Liberal leadership campaign indicate that he is committed to safeguarding Canada’s sovereignty from the corrosive influence of American extremism. If we are to avoid the fate of our neighbours to the south then Carney appears to be the man for the job.

The stakes for Canada have never been higher, and Canadians have one shot to halt the encroachment of a Trump-like agenda into our government and politics. History has shown us the dangers of ignorance and complacency, and as we watch Americans deal with the erosion of their democracy and the destabilization of their institutions we must heed the lesson from their example and not allow ourselves to be lulled into a state of apathy or indifference.

So, as the next federal election looms, think carefully about the future you wish to forge for yourself, your family, and your country. A vote for Pierre Poilievre is a vote to endorse the very ideologies that are tearing the US apart. For the sake of our future we cannot afford to make such a grave error, and we must take note of what is happening to our southern neighbour, and reject any path that leads us in the direction of societal division, economic chaos, and despair.

Wake up, Canada. The time to act is now. Let's choose hope, integrity, and leadership that upholds our democratic values.  The future of our nation depends on it.

 

© 2025 The View From Here.  © 2025 Fareed Khan.  All Rights Reserved.

Poilievre receives backlash to "racism is a recent phenomenon in Canada" comment in Jordan Peterson interview

This manipulation of historical facts is reminiscent of tactics employed by far-right politicians in other Western nations, the goal of which is to erase legitimate grievances and normalize hate, racism and bigotry. 

 

By Fareed Khan

 

Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre sat down for an interview with far-right, extremist personality Jordan Peterson — a figure notorious for his racist, transphobic and misogynist views on social and cultural issues.  During the conversation, Poilievre supported a statement made by Peterson, one that sent shockwaves through the political landscape.  Peterson claimed that that racism in Canada is a recent phenomenon, and Poilievre added to the outrageous claim that racism was the fault of “socialists”, “progressives”, and “wokeism”. These claims are not merely misguided, they reveal a deeper, more unsettling reality about Poilievre's political ethos — the normalization of racism and revisionist history that serves his partisan interests as he lusts for power.

 

© 2022 Michael deader.  © 2022 The Hill Times.

Historically, Canada is not a pristine bastion of racial harmony, as Poilievre would like to suggest.  The country has grappled with a legacy of systemic oppression, racism and white supremacy, as evidenced by the genocide of Indigenous peoples, the Chinese “head tax”, a history of institutional antisemitism prior to World War II, the internment of Japanese Canadians during the war, systemic anti-Black racism, and more recently Islamophobia in the form of government policies targeting Muslims, as well as the decades of institutional and systemic racism against Palestinians.  Each of these instances demonstrates that racism and bigotry are deeply woven into the fabric of this nation, contradicting Poilievre's assertion that it is a modern invention of the left and the “woke”.  Such a blatant dismissal of history is not just alarming it is dangerous, and it fuels the delusions of racist and white supremacist elements in society.

By framing racism as a recent phenomenon, Poilievre effectively denies the lived experiences of countless Canadians who have faced racial injustice and continue to do so today.  Furthermore, it undermines critical conversations about the systemic and structural inequalities that racialized communities experience.  His rhetoric serves to advance a narrative that minimizes the past and misleads the public about the ongoing struggles for racial justice that Black people, Indigenous people, and persons of colour are dealing with today.

This manipulation of historical facts is reminiscent of tactics employed by far-right politicians in other Western nations, the goal of which is to erase legitimate grievances and normalize hate, racism and bigotry.  By declaring that racism is a recent import Poilievre emboldens extremist elements in society, creating a bullseye on the backs of BIPOC communities which are already vulnerable to discrimination.  It is an extremely cynical ploy demonstrating that Poilievre cares little for maintaining social harmony in Canada’s pluralistic society.

Rachel Gilmore, a journalist who analyzed the interview, points out that Poilievre’s comments resonate deeply with a broader trend of right-wing populism that thrives on division and fear.  The Conservative leader’s rhetoric is not simply an isolated moment but rather part of a systematic approach to galvanizing support from a voter base that finds solace in grievances against “woke” ideologies.  Such an agenda has the potential to foster an environment where social justice advocates are labeled as enemies of the state for challenging hate and bigotry in this country.

The implications of Poilievre's ideological leanings extend beyond mere dialogue.  They signal his support for a political culture increasingly hostile to conversations surrounding combatting hate and racism, and supporting diversity and equity.  Under his leadership, the Conservative Party appears poised to leverage a narrative that condemns advocates of social justice while promoting the idea that concerns about racism are exaggerated or unfounded.  This creates an atmosphere where discrimination can fester untreated, further marginalizing communities that have faced systemic barriers for decades, barriers which continue to exist today and will be augmented under a Poilievre government.

The rise of this type of political rhetoric in Canada is indicative of a troubling trend in democracies across the globe — a calculated attempt to rewrite history to fit a politically expedient narrative.  Just as we have seen in the United States, where figures like Donald Trump have dismissed and downplayed America’s long history of racism, Poilievre's words signal an unsettling alignment with those ideologies.  We must not forget that Poilievre himself has benefitted from white privilege and has built a career as a professional politician in a country founded on racism, white supremacy, genocide and colonialism.  In the process of being a politician and becoming leader of the Conservatives he has put himself in a position where he is out of touch with the day to day realities faced by his fellow Canadians, many of whom live in the shadow of Canada’s racist history, and will never live the privileged life that he does.

Failing to confront or denying the ugly truths of our past allows attacks on racial justice movements to flourish.  This dangerous rhetoric nurtures an environment where hate can thrive unchecked, posing a grave threat to social cohesion. As we’ve seen in other countries, the results can be catastrophic — fostering division, hostility, and an erosion of the rights of marginalized communities.

As citizens, it is crucial that we hold our political leaders accountable for their words and actions. Rather than remaining passive observers, we must actively engage in conversations about racism, social justice, and historical accountability.  Organizations like Canadians United Against Hate and others have rightly called upon the public to reject Poilievre’s dangerous ideas and demand transparency and accountability from a leader who seeks the highest office in the land.

The moral imperative to confront and dismantle these harmful narratives has never been clearer.  Like other nations, Canada is not immune to the rising tide of far-right politics, and if Poilievre is to become our next prime minister, his denial of the country's history of racism risks not only the integrity of Canadian democracy but also the safety and well-being of minority and marginalized communities.

In combatting this dangerous rhetoric, we must recommit ourselves to building a society founded on diversity, acceptance, equality, and racial justice. The vast majority of Canadians embrace pluralistic values that promote equity and respect for all.  Allowing divisive political rhetoric to dominate our discourse is unacceptable. We must proactively counter these ideologies by lifting up the voices of those marginalized by racism and advocating for systemic change.

It is imperative that we stand together against the normalization of dangerous narratives like Poilievre's.  We must acknowledge and engage with our history, recognizing the injustices that have shaped our society, and continue to affect it today.  In doing so, we can foster a Canada that is not only aware of its past but is also committed to creating a more just and equitable future for all its citizens.

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of every Canadian to challenge the dismissals of racism and to fight against those who push ideologies that seek to undermine our values.  The stakes are too high to remain silent in the face of such dangerous rhetoric.  We must act, ensuring that hate remains on the fringes, while we collectively strive for a more inclusive and just society.  This is not merely a political responsibility; it is a moral obligation we owe to ourselves and to future generations.

© 2025 The View From Here.  © 2025 Fareed Khan.  All Rights Reserved.

Pierre Poilievre: A Leader Unfit for Canada

His willingness to cozy up to individuals and movements that espouse hate — be it racism, Islamophobia, anti-LGBTQ2 sentiments, or conspiratorial ideologies — reveals the depths of his moral depravity.

By Fareed Khan

 

The political landscape in Canada is undergoing a significant shift and 2025 will be a pivotal year for Canada politically.  With Pierre Poilievre at the helm of the Conservative Party, many Canadians find themselves grappling with the prospect of his ascendance to the role of Prime Minister at the next federal election.  While some might find solace in his substantial polling leads over Justin Trudeau, a closer inspection reveals a deeply concerning portrait of a man whose values, behavior, and ethos are fundamentally incompatible with the needs of our diverse and complex society.

This is a man who has been described as “Canada’s most dangerous, appalling politician.”  A man who willingly and knowingly taps into some of voters’ worst instincts, stoking populist rage in Canada in much the same way that Donald Trump has in the US.

 

 
Pierre Poilievre is the embodiment of the career politician and white privilege -- a man who has never held a job where his salary wasn't paid through the public purse.  He earns a staggering $300,000 a year paid by taxpayers (five times the Canadian average), and his entire political existence is predicated on the very system that he claims to abhor.  

Despite his rhetoric condemning “elites,” he has positioned himself squarely within the upper echelon of society for his entire adult life.  He currently lives in a taxpayer-funded mansion and enjoys a suite of benefits that includes a chauffeur-driven SUV, personal chefs, staff to maintain his house and property, and  24/7 security detail.  In addition, all of his household expenses – heat, hydro, phone, internet, etc. – are paid through the public purse.  During his time as an MP he has also become a millionaire due to his taxpayer funded salary, and amassed a sizeable real estate portfolio.  Living such a life of privilege makes Poilievre’s connection to the average Canadian utterly non-existent, despite his claims to understand the pain that Canadian families are experiencing at this time.

In an era where many Canadians struggle with the rising cost of living, Poilievre’s opulence feels like a slap in the face to those who are genuinely striving to make ends meet.  How can any Canadian trust a man who benefits so enormously from public funds but has demonstrated no real understanding of the challenges faced by everyday citizens?  If elected as Prime Minister, this disconnect would only widen, potentially leaving millions to navigate the economic landscape without the leadership and empathy they deserve.

Like Trump has done in the US, Poilievre has also cultivated and stoked hate and division among Canadian voters.  His embracing of the convoy protesters that occupied downtown Ottawa in 2022 also gave support to white supremacist, racist, Islamophobic, antisemitic, and anti-LGBTQ elements.  This approach is alarming and raises fundamental questions about whether he has a moral compass.



His willingness to cozy up to individuals and movements that espouse hate — be it racism, Islamophobia, anti-LGBTQ2 sentiments, or conspiratorial ideologies — reveals the depths of his moral bankruptcy.  By embracing individuals within the Diagolon movement and echoing extremist views, he has consolidated a following that thrives on division rather than unity, fostering an atmosphere of intolerance in a country where inclusion and diversity essential to maintaining the pluralism that a large majority of Canadians embrace.

His divisive political rhetoric, which has increased in tenor since he became Conservative Party leader, is not only shredding the fabric of Canadian society but it is also encouraging a cultural mindset where hate is normalized.  For a leader who claims to protect “freedom,” he paradoxically undermines the freedom of many minority communities by compromising their safety and dignity.  Rather than offering a vision for a better Canada that embodies empathy, acceptance and political stability, Poilievre’s rhetoric often borders on the incendiary — propagating an agenda that stands in stark contrast to what an overwhelming majority of Canadians truly desire.

For most Canadians, empathy, compassion, and progressive values should be foundational traits for any leader aspiring to guide a diverse nation.  Unfortunately, Pierre Poilievre has shown little to no understanding of these values, and instead has embraced the ideology and political practices of Donald Trump.  His tendency to fabricate, manipulate, and gaslight demonstrates a willingness to deceive at the expense of those he should represent.  It’s a troubling reality that has allowed him to build a base loyal not to truth or integrity, but rather to his ability to stoke anger and resentment.

Rather than fostering dialogue and understanding among citizens, Poilievre opts to exploit fears and grievances.  His aggressive demeanour and penchant for personal attacks against anyone who disagrees with his political views reflects a desperation for power that is unbecoming of anyone who seeks the highest office in the land. When scrutinizing his record, one cannot help but conclude that he thrives in chaos, and seeks instability to construct a platform on which he can rise to the pinnacle of power in Canada.  He is the complete opposite of a visionary leader, who would work to bridge divides and not exacerbate them.

The idea of Pierre Poilievre becoming Prime Minister is one that should instill fear in every Canadian.  His policies seem tailor-made for the privileged and powerful, prioritizing the interests of corporations and elites over programs for the most vulnerable among us, and those that benefit the middle and working class demographic.  By proposing deep cuts to government spending, which would target essential programs, he neglects his responsibility to foster community resilience and improve the lives of the bottom 90% of Canadians who are struggling to maintain their homes and support their families.

His agenda would cater unabashedly to the wealthy and privileged, projecting a vision of Canada that sidelines ordinary Canadians and marginalized voices. In a country that has historically prided itself on providing a safety net for everyone, Poilievre’s inclinations represent a stark contrast to the progressive ethos that most Canadians support, one that recognizes our collective responsibility to uplift one another.  

Furthermore, he has stated his willingness to use the Canadian Charter of Rights “notwithstanding” clause to overturn the fundamental rights of Canadians to achieve his political goals.  When a leader denies basic human rights for the sake of political expediency, this reveals their fundamental unfitness to lead and the danger they pose to all Canadians.

It's telling that brave Conservative political staffers have described Poilievre’s personality as one of “anti-charisma.”  The disconnect he maintains with the electorate, paired with his inclination toward petulance, further alienates him from the core values that bind Canadians together.  Rather than being a unifying force, he embodies a politics of irritation that fosters discontent rather than broad national solidarity.

Much like Donald Trump — his political and ideological comrade — Poilievre is adept at creating an atmosphere rife with hostility and divisiveness.  This reactionary approach appeals to the lowest common denominator and does little to inspire hope or a collective vision for a better future.  The manifestation of such politics is not just dangerous, it is potentially destructive.

Each turn of the election cyclel presents an opportunity for re-evaluation.  And as the next federal election looms Canadians must reflect deeply on whether Pierre Poilievre embodies the values they want in a prime minister.  If Canadians want a progressive government that caters to the needs and interests of the majority it is incumbent upon us to reject a political figure who thrives on manipulative rhetoric, embraces hateful elements in his party, gaslights the electorate, and promotes division.  Canada deserves a leader who embodies a vision that seeks to unite and uplift — not one who revels in chaos and dissension.

In this pivotal moment, we cannot remain passive observers since the stakes for the country are far too high.  it's time for Canadians who oppose Poilievre's vision for Canada to band together to confront the toxic politics represented by the Conservative Party and ensure a future that aligns with the values of inclusion, compassion, and unity that all Canadians can hold dear.  The time for action is now.  Together we can build a better Canada — one that rejects the dangerous allure of divisive politics and instead champions progress for all.

Fareed Khan is the founder of Canadians United Against Hate, a human rights activist, and has spoken and written extensively on public policy issues affecting the lives and the rights of Canadians.

© 2024 The View From Here.  © 2024 Fareed Khan.  All Rights Reserved.

OP-ED -- Pierre Poilievre’s claim to understand the struggles of average Canadians is a political ploy rooted in deceit

What does Pierre Poilievre really know about the lives of average Canadians?

 

By Fareed Khan

https://rabble.ca/politics/canadian-politics/pierre-poilievres-claim-to-understand-the-struggles-of-average-canadians-is-a-political-ploy-rooted-in-deceit/

 

 

Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre has recently released a series of political ads in an effort to continue to position himself as the politician who will save Canadians from the Liberals.

 

Since becoming leader he has frequently invoked the struggles of ordinary Canadians in heated speeches and many of his policy proposals, and his new ad campaign reinforces those narratives while he tries to portray himself as an average Canadian sharing their everyday problems.  But Canadian voters need to cautious about buying into his “ordinary Canadian” charade because he is anything but that.

 

 

 Pierre Poilievre at a rally Credit: Stephan Alberola / Flickr Credit: Stephan Alberola / Flickr

 

The glaring contrast between Poilievre’s lifestyle and that of the average citizen raises significant questions about his understanding of the struggles of the middle or working class.  It has become increasingly evident, since before he became Conservative leader, that he is ensconced within the elite ranks of society, with little appreciation or true understanding of the daily realities faced by the vast majority of Canadians.

To understand Poilievre’s disconnect from average Canadians all we have to do is look at the last 20 years of his life.  His first job out of university was working for Canadian Alliance party leader Stockwell Day until he was elected as a Member of Parliament at the age of 25.  Since his entry into Parliament he has enjoyed a level of financial security that today places him in the top one per cent of income earners in Canada.  His current salary as Opposition Leader is $299,900 per year – a substantial figure that exceeds the average annual income of most Canadians multiple times over.  Additionally, in comparison to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, who both had careers outside of politics before being elected, Poilievre has never held a job where taxpayers didn’t pay his salary and benefits, thus making him a professional politician.

Moreover, Poilievre’s current living arrangements amplifies the economic disparity between him and the vast majority of Canadians.  Residing in Stornoway, the publicly owned mansion for the leader of the Official Opposition, he enjoys the perks of a lavish lifestyle without having to pay any of the associated household costs – rent, hydro, phone, internet, gas, maintenance, etc.  In addition, he has an annual entertainment and hospitality budget of $166,000, a figure that would raise the eyebrows of many financially challenged voters at whom his political appeals are directed.  This lack of a personal financial burden common to most Canadians, combined with his publicly funded household staff – including a chef, housekeeper, and groundskeeper – places him in a realm of privilege and comfort inaccessible to the vast majority in Canada.

It is not only Poilievre’s financial situation that disqualifies him from truly understanding the struggles of the average Canadian, but also the systemic privilege inherent to his role.  With a government-owned SUV at his beck and call, a chauffeur, and a 24-hour security detail, his life encapsulates an elite lifestyle alien to all but the richest in Canada.  It shows an undeniable disconnect between those struggling under the burden of rising costs in housing, groceries, and other necessities, and a man rooted in a world of extreme privilege and financial security.  

While it’s understandable why such expenditures would be necessary for the prime minister Canadians should ask why such taxpayer funded privileges are provided to the Poilievre when no other parliamentary democracy like Canada’s provides similar benefits and financial support to their Opposition leaders.

Poilievre’s rhetoric also often critiques what he describes as "elites" and "gatekeepers" yet he embodies the characteristics of the very segments of society he condemns.  Historically Conservatives have advocated a handful of policies during election campaigns that would address the concerns of the majority, but once elected to government most of their policy initiatives often promote corporate interests along with fiscal conservatism, as well as undoing progressive policies of the previous government, which are actions traditionally aligned with the interests of wealthy and privileged segments of society.  This proclivity of Conservatives to favour the interests of elites suggests a compulsive inability to understand the challenges faced by average Canadians.

As Canadian voters express their frustration with the leadership of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his government, and with polls putting him as much as 20 percentage points behind Poilievre, many may be tempted to look towards the Opposition leader as a viable alternative.  However, doing so would perpetuate a cyclical elitism that fails to significantly improve the lives of the vast majority.  Poilievre’s status as a professional politician, his privileged lifestyle, and his political ideology going back to his time in the Stephen Harper government, reveals an affinity for the concerns of the privileged and powerful rather than a genuine connection to the issues and interests of Canadians far removed from his reality.

Poilievre’s ascent to political elite status and his very privileged lifestyle over the last two decades contrast starkly with the realities faced by most voters.  Since he never accumulated the middle-class experiences that would help him relate to the issues important to the bottom 95 per cent of Canadians one has to wonder how can he relate to that segment of the Canadian electorate?  As voters consider their options in anticipation of an election expected within the coming year it is crucial to recognize that supporting Poilievre could be detrimental to their own interests.  Those seeking to lead Canada should be able to understand the struggles of average Canadians, uplift them and address their pressing needs – qualities not embodied in Poilievre’s political narrative, his policies or the elitist life he has led his entire adult life.

FAREED KHAN

Fareed Khan is the founder of Canadians United Against Hate and has written and commented extensively about issues around racism and human rights. More by Fareed Khan

 

© 2024 Rabble.ca.  This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

© 2024 The View From Here.  © 2024 Fareed Khan.  All Rights Reserved.

 

 

 

Fighting pandemic of hate and racism in Canada must be a priority in the new Parliament

By Fareed Khan

If the results from the federal election say anything it is Canadian voters speaking loudly and telling Justin Trudeau, Erin O'Toole and Jagmeet Singh to stop the politicking and get back to work.  One of the areas of business where Parliamentarians need to work harder when the House of Commons is back in session is to deal with Canada's other pandemic that has been around long before COVID-19, the pandemic of hate and racism that has been ignored for decades, which has resulted in deadly violence, and for which insufficient resources and political capital have been committed.

Many Canadians were incredulous that during the election campaign the issue of fighting hate and racism was barely mentioned, despite the fact that 60 per cent of Canadians see racism as a serious problem facing the country.  An IPSOS study released on September 3rd revealed that there is increased awareness among Canadians about the continued mistreatment against Indigenous people, domestic terrorism targeting Muslim Canadians, racism against Black Canadians, and anti-Asian hate crimes.  This awareness has led to Canadians expecting governments to implement policies and programs to address these issues.

The lack of discussion about fighting hate during the campaign defies logic considering that since May 2020 Canadians have come out in the tens of thousands to protest in the streets against hate and racial injustice.  Canadians called for racial justice for Black people in the thousands following the murder of George Floyd by a white police officer in the US.  They took to the streets again in the thousands calling for action to fight Islamophobia following the murder of the Afzaal Family in London, Ontario in an act of anti-Muslim hate.  They demonstrated in the thousands again in support of justice for Indigenous people following the discovery of unmarked graves of Indigenous children at former residential school sites.  In light of this racial awakening and public calls for action it makes no sense that the leaders of the three major parties did not make these issues key points in their campaign messaging. 

However, Trudeau and Singh should be commended in one respect.  Among the three major parties the Liberals and NDP both included sections dedicated to addressing racism and hate, demonstrating that they are aware of the importance of these issues to Canadians.  Yet despite that political nod to these concerns it is puzzling that the Liberals and NDP chose not to highlight them in their messaging to set themselves apart from the Conservatives, who did not do themselves any favours when they avoided using the words “racism” and “Islamophobia” anywhere in the Conservative campaign platform.  This not only showed the inability (or unwillingness) of O’Toole’s party to address the concerns of racialized Canadians, but it was a clear indication of the party's very weak commitment to fighting hate and supporting racial justice.  It does not bode well for O’Toole or his party's future prospects among Canadians who see fighting racism as a priority.

On the matter of Quebec's Bill 21 "seculrism" law none of the political leaders scored any political points with racialized communities when they sacrificed human rights on the altar of political expediency.  Trudeau, O’Toole and Singh turned their backs on those impacted by the racist legislation when they refused to challenge outrageous allegations made by Bloc Québécois Leader Yves François Blanchet.  In a media scrum following the English language debate Blanchet claimed that the moderator had called all Quebecers "racists" by asking a question about the Quebec law.  Instead of taking a principled stand against this outrageous accusation all three federalist party leaders retreated into their corners and let Blanchet dominate the narrative around the issue, perpetuating the ridiculous myth that the law was about defending secularism in Quebec.

The one man who must be singled out for his position on Bill 21 is Jagmeet Singh.  It was supremely discouraging that an observant Sikh who knows the law was unwilling to commit to taking action to defend the rights of observant Sikhs, Muslims and Jews in Quebec, despite claims that the NDP will be there for the people that need them.

When Parliament reconvenes, anti-racism and human rights activists expect Trudeau, O'Toole, and Singh to get to work to decisively address these issues, and help Canadians to push back the ever-increasing hate and the rise of white supremacy we are seeing across the country.

We will be watching and we will hold our federal political leaders accountable for their actions or lack thereof.

© 2021 The View From Here.  © 2021 Fareed Khan.  All Rights Reserved

OP-ED -- Conservative leaders acting like spoiled children

FAREED KHAN
Updated: November 12, 2019

https://edmontonjournal.com/opinion/columnists/opinion-conservative-leaders-acting-like-spoiled-children 

In the almost three weeks since Liberal MPs were shut out of Alberta and Saskatchewan on election night, Conservative politicians in those provinces haven’t stopped complaining long enough to realize that they are behaving like a spoiled child that didn’t get its way.

So here is a message to Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, and federal Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer on behalf of the millions of Canadians who did not vote Conservative across the country — stop lying to Canadians and pouring gasoline on the embers of western alienation.

The fact is voters in the rest of Canada who didn’t vote Conservative are feeling alienated by your determination to return to Stephen Harper-era policies — policies that were soundly rejected by more than 60 per cent of Canadians in the 2015 election, and more than 63 per cent of Canadians in this recent election.

The fact that not a single Liberal MP was elected in either province is the fault of no one but the voters and Conservative politicians in those provinces who demonized the Liberals. If they had wanted a voice in the government they should have hedged their bets and re-elected the few Liberal MPs who were running.

As for the demands being made by Conservative politicians and voters, Canadians living outside Alberta and Saskatchewan who did not vote Conservative have some demands as well.

The first is for Conservative politicians to stop lying about what equalization actually is. Equalization payments are not some sort of cheque that provincial governments give to the federal government, which is then redistributed to other provinces. Equalization dollars come from federal tax revenues which are set aside to help “have-not” provinces provide the same level of services as richer provinces provide. If the equalization program were cancelled, Alberta and Saskatchewan would not see a single cent returned to their coffers.

The equalization formula that Premiers Kenney and Moe say is so unfair was designed in 2009 by the Harper government while Kenney was a minister in the most pro-oil federal cabinet in Canadian history, with pro-oil premiers in Alberta and Saskatchewan. If it’s unfair, it’s because the Harper Conservatives, with the help of Kenney, made it that way.

Alberta and Saskatchewan also need to acknowledge that they benefit by being part of Canada. Federal tax breaks for the oil and gas sector in Canada top $3.3 billion annually, with the vast majority of that going to companies in Alberta. Throw in other corporate tax breaks, federal health and social transfers (which amount to $7.8 billion), funds paid directly to residents of Alberta and Saskatchewan through the child benefit, EI payments, CPP payments, and other programs, and you have many billions in federal dollars going to the two provinces.

Also, stop demonizing Canadians who did not vote Conservative. In a democracy there will be winners and losers. You did not see Liberals and New Democrats in Ontario and Quebec threatening to separate when Harper was winning, a time when the two provinces were losing hundreds of thousands of manufacturing jobs due to a high Canadian dollar caused by oil prices of more than $100 per barrel.

To Alberta politicians, if you instituted sensible tax revenue policies, rather than wanting to keep taxes the lowest in the country, then you would not be running deficits. So institute a sales tax, raise provincial and corporate income taxes, and increase oil and gas royalties to reflect the real value of your resources. It is clear that Alberta has a revenue problem and a deficit of its own making.

Finally, respect the decisions of the courts in your legal challenges to federal carbon pricing. Continuing to fight, despite repeated defeats, is a misappropriation of funds for strictly partisan reasons. The fact that conservative icon Preston Manning and some oil company CEOs support carbon pricing as a sensible market solution to addressing climate change, says that you are absolutely wrong on this issue.

Mr. Kenney, Mr. Moe, your recent behaviour shows a lack of leadership, and is endangering national unity. So begin acting like real leaders for all your citizens and not just those who voted Conservative. 

Fareed Khan is a government relations and communications consultant living in Gatineau. Quebec. 

© 2019 Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved.

Hypocrisy of opposition leaders on Justin Trudeau’s “brownface” and “blackface” photos needs to be called out, media need to have a real debate about racism and hate during election campaign

By Fareed Khan

 
It has been a week since the uproar in the media about the Justin Trudeau “brownface” and “blackface” photos. However, at the height of the media frenzy attention was mostly focused on his "apology tour" and ignored the hypocrisy of some of the opposition party leaders in the present to racism within their own parties, and the larger issues surrounding hate, racism and white supremacy in Canada.

The discussion surrounding racism triggered by the Trudeau photos now needs to go beyond what the prime minister did a generation ago, and look at all the political parties, their leaders, and what are their policy responses to racism, bigotry and hate in Canada today.

The media can help with this by pushing the party leaders to present their policy ideas for how they will respond decisively to the growing tide of hate and white supremacy in Canada – ideologies that resulted in the murder 6 Muslim men and the wounding of 17 others by a white supremacist shooter in a Quebec City mosque in January 2017.

Despite his righteous indignation about the Trudeau photos, Andrew Scheer has no credibility on issues of racism to most minority communities and people of colour, and should not to the majority of Canadians. 

In case people have forgotten, Scheer appointed as his campaign chair Hamish Marshall, a man who was the co-founder of the white supremacist friendly website Rebel Media, and was involved in organizing an anti-Muslim hate group when the M-103 Islamophobia motion was being debated in 2017.  At that time Scheer was running for the leadership of the Conservative Party and did not hesitate to employ Islamophobic narratives in his campaign.  Neither Marshall nor Sheer have ever been held accountable by the media or in the court of public opinion for their outright bigotry.

Scheer's hypocrisy around the Trudeau photos is even more egregious when one recalls that in a June speech he said bigots, extremists and racists aren’t welcome in his party.  This happened the same day that Conservative MP Michael Cooper launched a racist tirade against a Muslim witness at a Justice Committee hearing, by reading into the record portions of the white supremacy laced manifesto of the Christchurch mosque shooter, where 51 people were murdered.  Despite this, Sheer only gave Cooper a slap on the wrist and allowed him to remain as a Conservative MP.

Elizabeth May also needs to clean her own house, and explain her hypocrisy about a brownface incident with one of her candidates.  She has accepted as a Green Party candidate comedic actor Greg Malone, who admitted in an interview with CBC that he has indulged in brownface for some of his performances.  In spite of this history, and contrary to her reaction about the Trudeau photos, May said she is “proud” to have Malone as a Green Party candidate.

May also needs to answer for the nomination of Green candidates in Quebec who may support the provincial government's racist Bill 21 “secularism” law.

This issue was raised during a Muslim community town hall event with May in Toronto on September 6th.  When asked whether she would tell Quebec Green Party candidates to oppose the law her response was that she "does not dictate what issues candidates support or how they have to vote on issues."  Mustafa Farooq, Executive Director of National Council of Canadian Muslims, believes it is “unacceptable” for any political party to have candidates who support the Quebec law, which legal experts say is legalized bigotry against racialized religious minorities. 

Maxime Bernier, leader of the new People’s Party of Canada, is the most transparent when it comes to issues around racism, diversity, and immigration. He seems comfortable wearing his racism and prejudice like a comfortable sweater. At least Canadians know where he stands on these issues unlike Scheer and May, whose reactions to the Trudeau photos would have you believe that there is no racism in their parties.

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh is the only party leader that comes away from this unsullied. As the first person of colour to lead a national political party in Canada he is the only one who knows intimately what it feels like to be a victim of racism.

Canadian media executives have the power to change the channel from the Trudeau photos, and have a real debate around issues of hate, bigotry and racism in Canada. Only then can Canadians hold each of the party leaders accountable for their actions and policies on matters that have the potential to create social instability and rip apart the fabric of society.

As we get closer to election day, to ignore the broader issues surrounding racism and hate that affects so many would be irresponsible, given the potential of these ideologies to encourage additional violence against communities already feeling fearful and unsafe in the current climate where racism and white supremacy are on the rise. 

© 2019 The View From Here.  © 2019 Fareed Khan.  All Rights Reserved.