After criticizing the leadership of the RCMP in a podcast, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is facing scrutiny from some party members about their continued support for him. Five Conservative caucus members who spoke with Radio-Canada expressed concerns that Poilievre has not sufficiently altered his messaging since the last election and is not projecting the image expected of a potential prime minister.
Radio-Canada, not disclosing the sources to allow open discussion of internal party matters, interviewed a total of 10 Conservative insiders nationwide, including seven caucus members. Among them, four are uncertain about backing Poilievre in a confidence vote scheduled for January, despite supporting him in the past.
One source, speaking in French to Radio-Canada, criticized Poilievre for suggesting that a former prime minister should be imprisoned. Poilievre’s recent comments on the YouTube channel Northern Perspective accused former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of breaking the law in relation to the Aga Khan scandal in 2019 and the SNC-Lavalin affair, alleging that the RCMP “covered it all up” and condemning their leadership as “despicable” for not holding the Liberal government accountable.
Critics within the Conservative ranks believe that Poilievre’s focus on Trudeau indicates an inability to move past the election defeat. Despite internal dissent, Poilievre still maintains significant support within the party. In response to the backlash, Poilievre’s Quebec lieutenant, Pierre Paul-Hus, expressed his confidence in the leader, emphasizing his value to the country and Quebec.
Acknowledging the controversy, a written statement from Poilievre clarified that his remarks targeted former RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki, attributing her actions to a history of scandals and political interference. While some view Poilievre’s remarks as a misstep, others suggest it is not a catastrophic error, emphasizing the importance of allowing leaders room for growth and development. Supporters of Poilievre highlight his unique political style and authenticity as contributing factors to the party’s success in the recent federal election.