Conservative leader candidates took the stage in the first debate on May 5. There, MP Pierre Poirievre stated that his first support for the February Freedom Convoy truck driver would not change no matter what happened since then.
When asked by the moderator whether his support for the truck driver in the convoy protest was responsible, as leadership rival Jean Charest had previously suggested, Poirievre said, “For their lives. Compliant and peaceful truck drivers and freedoms who were fighting against the law blame individuals who violate the law, while blocking critical infrastructure and taking bad actions. “
Former Quebec Prime Minister Charest is unfit for party leadership as Poilievre supported a three-week convoy demonstrating in Ottawa this winter in opposition to federal COVID-19 obligations and restrictions last month. I blamed him.
“Mr. Charest, like any other liberal faction, learned about the truck convoy at CBC and misrepresented them.
Poilievre then said that he was “a little rich” to “talk about law and order” because of allegations of corruption surrounding illegal donations made to the Liberal Party of Quebec while Charest was in command. Told to.
Quebec anti-corruption unit looking at the problem publication The activity was suspended in February and no prosecution was filed.
Charest was not allowed to respond immediately to Poirievre’s criticism because of the form of debate, but later reiterated his claim that Poirievre was unable to exercise leadership because of his support for the “illegal blockade.” Up by supporters in solidarity with Freedom Convoy.
“You can make the law, you can’t break the law, and then you say,’I make the law for others.’ I’m sorry, it’s a matter of basic principles.” Charest said he was booed by the crowd and disconnected by the moderator because he exceeded the allotted time.
The Freedom Convoy may have been polarized for the Conservatives and contributed to the expulsion of former leader Erin Autour on February 2, a few days after truck driver-led protests began in Ottawa.
O’Toole carefully considered this issue, but some MPs like Poilievre have expressed support. As protests were dragged out and border blockages broke out nationwide, newly appointed interim leader Candice Bergen promised to carry a cloak to fight the COVID-19 restrictions, protesters. I told them to leave.
Poilievre also criticized Charest for other issues during the debate, and Charest wiped it out during the post-discussion scrum.
“If you’re attacked and know something about politics or debate, I take it as a compliment. That means something. Someone felt that my candidacy in this race wasn’t a threat. Even so, I wouldn’t be attacked, “he said.
The debate was not officially organized by the party and was part of Canada’s powerful and free conference in Ottawa, May 5-7. This is a conservative networking event founded by former Reform Party leader Preston Manning.
Candidate Conservative leaders were not obliged to attend, but Roman Barber, Scott H.son, and Reslin Lewis were obliged to attend. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown did not participate. In his campaign, he said he was busy selling memberships before the June 3 deadline, when supporters must be members to vote for the contest.
first time Official The English debate will take place on May 11th in Edmonton. The French debate will take place on May 25th in Laval.
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Noé Charter is a Montreal-based Epoch Times reporter.