Calgary and Edmonton played host to conservative commentator Tucker Carlson’s speaking tour this week, causing Canadian Liberal politicians and legacy media figures to completely meltdown over the event.
The well-attended event drew criticism from key political figures who alleged Carlson and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith were fanning the flames of “political violence.”
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault held a press conference to express his concerns, alleging that Smith incited violence by suggesting Carlson put Guilbeault in his “crosshairs.”
“This goes beyond me and the fact that I was targeted last night at this event increases political violence against everyone who runs for office in this country,” claimed Guilbeault.
Minister of Transport Pablo Rodriguez seized the opportunity to label the event as an example of the “extreme right” infiltrating Canadian politics.
“The extreme right politics. Don’t ask if it’s coming to Canada. It’s already here,” said Rodriguez.
Media pundits joined the chorus of disapproval. David Frum expressed disappointment in what he perceived as Canada reverting to relying on “cancelled US programming.”
“The thing that’s so sad is that I thought Canada had passed the point where Canadians had to make do with cancelled US programming as if it were fresh and new,” said Frum.
Former environment minister Catherine McKenna also weighed in, condemning Smith’s invitation to Carlson as “UnCanadian and dangerous.”
“Appalling. Danielle Smith encouraging American right-wing rage farmer with a massive base to attack a Canadian politician. UnCanadian and dangerous,” said McKenna.
National Observer columnist Max Fawcett called the event “unbelievably reckless,” while CTV pundit Scott Reid accused Smith of endorsing Carlson’s statements by extending an invitation, despite Smith’s repeated claims that agreeing to an interview by anyone does not constitute agreement with all of their positions.
TikToker Rachel Gilmore suggested that Carlson had spread the “replacement conspiracy that has inspired mass violence.”
