Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre faced ongoing backlash following his critical remarks about the RCMP and its leadership. Poilievre had previously stated that individuals should face imprisonment for the errors made by the previous Liberal government.
In a recent interview with the YouTube channel Northern Perspective, Poilievre described the leadership of the national police force as “frankly just despicable,” alleging that they were protecting former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He mentioned that many scandals during the Trudeau administration warranted criminal charges, citing Trudeau’s acceptance of a vacation from the Aga Khan as an example.
Poilievre suggested that if the RCMP had fulfilled its duties, Trudeau would have faced criminal charges. However, the RCMP conducted investigations into the vacation and the SNC-Lavalin affair without filing any charges.
During a press briefing, Poilievre clarified his statements, emphasizing that he did not explicitly call for Trudeau’s imprisonment but believed that certain scandals from the Liberal government warranted severe punishment. He previously asserted that Trudeau violated the Criminal Code by accepting favors and was prepared to provide evidence to support his claims.
Apart from the debate surrounding Poilievre’s remarks about Trudeau, he also faced criticism from opposition parties and Conservative members for his comments about the RCMP and its leadership. Some Conservative MPs expressed concerns about Poilievre’s statements, with internal tensions arising within the party.
Despite internal disagreements, Conservative MPs publicly voiced support for Poilievre, emphasizing that his comments should not be the primary focus for Canadians. Poilievre’s critique of the RCMP’s handling of Trudeau’s issues garnered mixed responses within the Conservative caucus.
Poilievre’s criticism extended to past RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki, raising questions about her tenure marked by controversies. He called for Lucki’s resignation, attributing her actions to benefitting the Liberal government. The ongoing discussions within the Conservative party highlighted varying opinions on Poilievre’s leadership and his stance on the RCMP.
While some high-ranking Conservatives defended Poilievre’s precision in addressing the RCMP, others criticized his fixation on past controversies and his rhetoric towards political opponents. The ongoing debate surrounding Poilievre’s comments showcased a divide within the Conservative party regarding his leadership.
Conservative Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman emphasized the party’s confidence in frontline police officers while refraining from commenting directly on the current RCMP commissioner. The party’s reluctance to accept criticism from the Liberals regarding law enforcement decisions further highlighted the internal dynamics within the Conservative party.