Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party, stated that his party’s emphasis on affordability is a shared priority among all Conservatives, particularly as they face the departure of another MP to the Liberals, leaving the latter only one seat away from a majority government.
“Affordability is key. Canadians are struggling with grocery costs due to [Prime Minister Mark Carney’s] hidden Liberal taxes on food,” Poilievre remarked when questioned about his message to caucus members aimed at preventing further defections.
The Conservative leader participated in a year-end interview on Rosemary Barton Live shortly after Markham-Unionville MP Michael Ma unexpectedly announced his switch to the Liberal Party on Thursday.
Poilievre rejected the notion that his leadership was at fault, instead accusing the prime minister of attempting to “manipulate his way through backroom deals to secure that majority.”
“My message to Mark Carney is if you desire a costly majority government that raises taxes and deficits, you must seek the Canadian people’s endorsement through a vote, not through underhanded backroom agreements,” Poilievre expressed to host Rosemary Barton.
CBC News’ chief political correspondent interviews Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre regarding his leadership after Michael Ma’s defection to the Liberals, along with discussions about the Ottawa-Alberta agreement for a new oil pipeline.
On Thursday evening, Ma explained that his decision was influenced by feedback from constituents within his riding.
“This moment calls for unity and decisive action for the future of Canada,” Ma stated.
-
Another Conservative crosses the floor, bringing Liberals 1 MP shy of majority
-
Conservative MP laughs off missing Secret Santa gift from floor-crosser Michael Ma
“I have determined that Prime Minister Mark Carney is providing the steady, practical leadership we need to address the priorities I encounter daily while canvassing in Markham-Unionville,” he concluded.
In November, Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont declared he was switching to the Liberals, citing feelings of being part of a “frat house” rather than a serious political party during his time with the Conservatives.
Liberals assert that more dissatisfied Conservatives exist
A source from the Liberal Party informed CBC News that Ma had met with Carney on Thursday afternoon before his announcement to join the government caucus. He also attended the Liberal holiday gathering that evening, leaving a Conservative MP without a Secret Santa gift.
Since then, Liberals have suggested that other Conservative MPs are growing increasingly dissatisfied with Poilievre’s leadership and may soon align themselves with Carney’s administration.
Prime Minister Mark Carney raises the hand of Michael Ma, MP for Markham-Unionville, who crossed the floor from the Conservatives to the Liberals hours earlier, at the Liberal caucus holiday party in Ottawa, on Dec. 11. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press)
“I believe some will engage in soul-searching during the holiday season,” Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said in an interview that aired on Sunday morning.
He noted that some members of the Opposition do not wish to oppose simply for the sake of opposing the government.
“It seems to me that some are uncomfortable with this situation,” Champagne observed.
Earlier in December, Ma stood in the House of Commons and criticized the government regarding the escalating food prices and their effects on Canadian seniors.
Liberal House leader Steven MacKinnon, during an event about high-speed rail on Friday, was questioned about Ontario MP Michael Ma’s switch from the Conservatives to the Liberals. MacKinnon, while targeting Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, hinted that more individuals like Ma could be considering a similar move, without providing specifics.
Champagne dismissed inquiries regarding Ma’s integrity, stating, “What ultimately counts is that he made the decision to join the Liberal Party and the government.”
“That’s my takeaway from the situation,” he added.
When asked by Barton if he was reflecting on anything as the year draws to a close, Poilievre, who was once seen as a strong contender for the next prime minister, shared his thoughts.
“I spend a lot of time contemplating my motivations,” the Conservative leader stated, mentioning the difficulties faced by seniors in affording food and the struggles of young people to save for a home.
“My goal is to instill hope. This nation needs that more than ever: hope for home ownership, hope for affordable food, hope for safety in our neighborhoods,” Poilievre emphasized.
“That will be the focus of my leadership: to ensure hope for a brighter future.”