Poilievre’s divisive politics are a threat to Canada’s democracy
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Martin Niemöller was a Lutheran pastor who initially supported the Nazi rise to power. As he watched what was happening around him, he began to openly oppose the regime. As a result, he spent years in Dachau and other concentration camps. After his liberation, he made numerous speeches about his experience and is best known for the following quote:
First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me
 Poilievre’s war on ‘woke’ is just Trumpism in a Canadian suit. |
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The message is clear: when a leader targets any group, it is dangerous for everyone. In a healthy society, we challenge ideas, but we do not attack people. When a movement singles out a particular group, we must take notice. We do not know who their next target will be—it may even be us.
This is evident in Donald Trump’s rhetoric. When he first took office as president in 2017, he targeted Muslims. Then he attacked protesters calling for racial equality. After returning to office in 2025, he immediately began attacking the human rights of transgender people and immigrants. He has even threatened the sovereignty of Canada.
The danger of Trump’s policies is clear. Not only is he doing great harm to good people, but he may also be contributing to the demise of his own country.
Niemöller’s words should serve as a warning to every society. In Canada, the once dignified Conservative Party has engaged in disturbing discourse since Pierre Poilievre took the reins. While Poilievre did what opposition politicians are supposed to do when he rightfully condemned Justin Trudeau’s misuse of the Emergencies Act during the COVID-19 pandemic, he has continually used meaningless terms like “woke agenda” to attack his opponents.
He has also given unquestioning support to the State of Israel during its assault on Gaza, refused to engage in dialogue on the issue and has threatened the free speech of those who question Israeli actions.
Poilievre’s response since Trump began threatening Canada has also been concerning. Instead of uniting with other Canadian leaders to defend the country, he has chosen to attack the most marginalized and vulnerable groups in our society.
In a recent CTV interview, he stated: “I’m not aware of any other genders than men and women. If there are any others you’d like me to consider, you’re welcome to tell me right now.” After the reporter did so, Poilievre doubled down on the Trump-like rhetoric and then changed the subject.
I love our Canadian democracy. What makes our country great is that we can respectfully challenge each other’s ideas and move our government forward in a way that makes society both kinder and more effective.
For most of my life, I have engaged with Conservative members of Parliament in open, respectful dialogue. It was possible to have amicable, even casual encounters—sometimes over a cup of coffee in a local restaurant. But since Poilievre took over the party, my few interactions have been tense.
Poilievre is simply the worst and most un-Canadian Conservative Party leader I have ever known.
He has gone after gender non-conforming Canadians, pro-Palestine protesters and many others. Who will be next on his “anti-woke” list?
Now more than ever, Canadians need to come together and stand up for one another. Poilievre has shown us exactly who he is—and he is not the leader who will unite us in this time of crisis.
Gerry Chidiac specializes in languages and genocide studies and works with at-risk students. He received an award from the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre for excellence in teaching about the Holocaust.
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