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.