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Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Conservative MP who threatened to leave party if Poilievre won now “very comfortable” with new leader

By
Elie Cantin-Nantel
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Despite threatening to leave the Conservative Party of Canada if Pierre Poilievre became leader, MP Joel Godin now says he is “very comfortable” working with the new leader. 

Godin, who supported Jean Charest and describes himself as a “progressive conservative,” told Radio Canada this summer that he may resign, sit as an independent, join another party or help create a new party if Poilievre was elected Conservative leader.

The Quebec MP said he shared nothing in common with Poilievre, while claiming the Carleton MP was not offering good policy in addition to having “taken tangents, strategies attacking his opponent (Charest) in the leadership race.” 

However, in an interview with Quebec radio station 98.5 FM following Poilievre’s landslide victory, Godin appears to have changed his tone.

“I am very comfortable working with Pierre Poilievre. I want to congratulate him for the beautiful and impressive victory,” he said in French.

Godin added that the goal is now “to have a united party to offer an alternative to the current government. So that’s the primary objective.”

The Quebec MP also said he appreciated Poilievre’s remarks towards Charest in his victory speech – where he recognized Charest’s political work.

“(Poilievre) acknowledged the work Jean Charest did to save Canada in the past. And I also appreciated his mention of his sensitivity to the French language,” said Godin.

Godin also noted in the interview that he did not like Poilievre’s support of the Freedom Convoy – which rolled into Canada’s capital earlier this year demanding an end to Covid mandates and restrictions.

“I was not comfortable with this outing by the member for Carleton,” said Godin, who believes that as leader, Poilievre has “an additional responsibility.” 

“We will see how he will act,” Godin said.

Poilievre decisively won the Conservative leadership race on Saturday, receiving an overwhelming 68.1% of the points and 70.7% of the popular vote in the first round.

Poilievre also won 330 out of 338 ridings, including Godin’s riding of Portneuf-Jacques Cartier – where he received 63.39% of the points.

Vaccination among pregnant women well below national average: NACI

By
Cosmin Dzsurdzsa
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A recent study by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) found that pregnant mothers were more reluctant to get the Covid-19 vaccine. 

According to Blacklock’s Reporter, the unpublished study titled Updated Guidance On Covid-19 Vaccines for Individuals Who are Pregnant or Breastfeeding found that expectant mothers were well below Canada’s average when it came to routine immunization. 

“The uptake of Covid-19 vaccine has been lower among pregnant people compared to non-pregnant people in Canada,” wrote researchers. 

“Preliminary unpublished evidence in Ontario indicates primary series vaccine coverage among pregnant people, 71 percent, was 16 percentage points lower than in the general female population of reproductive age.”

This comes despite the fact that health authorities have advised pregnant women to receive a Covid-19 booster. 

“Pregnant persons vaccinated with an mRNA Covid-19 vaccine during pregnancy experience the same rates of expected local and systemic adverse events as non-pregnant persons,” wrote NACI.

“Vaccination during pregnancy does not increase the risk for miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight, neonatal intensive care unit admission or other adverse pregnancy or birth outcomes.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned last week that the pandemic wasn’t done with Canada yet until 80-90% of Canadians were up-to-date with their Covid booster shots. 

“If we are able to hit that 80%, 85%, 90% of Canadians up-to-date in their vaccinations, we’ll have a much better winter with much less need for the kind of restrictions and rules that were so problematic for everyone over the past years,” said Trudeau.

Currently, 82% of Canadians have received their primary series or two shots of a Covid-19 vaccine. Only 50% have received one booster dose while 12% are fully up-to-date with their boosters. 

NACI recently stated that Canadians should be recommended a Covid-19 booster every three months to hold the virus back. 

“A shorter interval of at least three months may be warranted in the context of heightened epidemiological risk as well as operational considerations for the efficient deployment of the Covid-19 vaccination program,” wrote NACI on Sept. 1.

The Andrew Lawton Show | The fear-mongering about “populist” Pierre Poilievre begins

By
Andrew Lawton
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Pierre Poilievre has been the Conservative leader for less than 48 hours and the media and activists are already fear-mongering about what his win means for the country: Trump comparisons, claims of “populist” appeal, and so on. In this edition of The Andrew Lawton Show, True North’s Andrew Lawton unpacks why Poilievre won so decisively and what that means for the conservative movement, the Conservative party, and the country.

Canada Strong and Free Network president Jamil Jivani joins the show to talk about where the conservative movement needs to go next.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ANDREW LAWTON SHOW

Peel police arrest suspect involved in cop-killing

By
Cosmin Dzsurdzsa
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Police have arrested a suspect after a Toronto police officer was shot dead in Mississauga on Monday. 

22-year veteran with the Toronto Police Training Const. Andrew Hong died shortly following the attack.

Peel Police Chief Nish Duraiappah said the attack was “unprovoked,” and took place during a training course.

“While on lunch break, he was shot in an unprovoked, and, may I say, in an ambush attack, and succumbed to his injuries,” Duraiappah said on Monday.

Toronto Police confirmed Hong, who served in Traffic Services, died at 48 years of age. He is survived by his wife, two children and his parents.

The suspect 20-year-old Shawn Petry was located in Hamilton in a cemetery and was shot by Halton Regional Police. The Special Investigations Unit has invoked its mandate in relation to the shooting.

According to the Toronto Sun, a Peel Regional Police officer was also shot and was rushed to the hospital. 

“In the same incident, a second victim suffered life-altering gunshot injuries and is currently being treated at a trauma centre in the GTA,” Duraiappah said.

The official Halton Police Twitter account posted that the suspect was located and is currently in police custody. 

Authorities shut down Brone St. S from King St. to Main St. in Milton in relation to the investigation. The suspect was considered armed and dangerous. 

Originally police described the suspect as a “white male” but then revised their description to being a “male black, thin build, bulk hair, wearing all black, yellow construction vest.” 

“They just stopped for lunch when someone came in and shot at the officers,” a source told Toronto Sun claiming one of the officers was shot in the head. 

Premier Doug Ford tweeted about the violence on Monday, saying he is “horrified by today’s senseless violence, including the killing of a Toronto police officer.”

“I’m so grateful to law enforcement for bringing this situation to an end. May justice for those killed and injured be swift.”

Economists warn rising prices fueled by the Trudeau government’s inflation aid

By
Noah Jarvis
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Despite the Trudeau government’s propositions to alleviate inflationary pressure with several government measures, economists warn that the Liberals’ proposals will worsen the inflation crisis.

According to Reuters, the Trudeau government is set to roll out monetary handouts targeted at Canadians who may be struggling with rising prices, including an increase in GST rebates for modest earners and a $500 benefit for homebuyers and renters. 

However, economists predict that the government’s impulse to take action may, in fact, result in a worsening of Canada’s economic woes, adding fuel to the inflationary fire.

BMO senior economist Robert Kavcic acknowledges that Canadians are struggling to deal with high costs, but the government’s strategy inherently contributes to those rising costs.

“We’re not going to deny that there are households seriously in need of help right now in this inflationary environment. But, from a policy perspective, we all know that sending out money as an inflation-support measure is inherently … inflationary,” said Kavcic.

CIBC economist Avery Shenfield questions the necessity of government largesse, saying that governments “taking action” can deepen economic woes.

“In a period of high inflation and excess demand, cutting taxes or handing out cheques can add fuel to the inflationary fire, and make the job of a central bank that’s raising rates to cool demand all that more troublesome,” said Shenfield.

“What concerns us is that federal and provincial governments in Canada are feeling tempted to ‘do something’ to help their constituents cope with high prices.”

Shenfield advised federal and provincial governments to save surplus dollars for more troubling economic times as the risk of the economy sinking into a recession looms.

The Conservative Party of Canada’s new leader Pierre Poilievre has blamed Canada’s inflation problem on BoC governor Tiff Macklem and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Poilievre has proposed firing Macklem and has coined the term “Justinflation” to characterize the problem. 

During the Covid-19 pandemic, BoC governor Tiff Macklem told Canadians that inflation worries were overblown and that the central bank would keep inflation within the 1-3% target range.

Further, the Trudeau government dumped hundreds of billions of dollars into the economy during the pandemic, running a $327 billion deficit during the fiscal year 2020/21 and a projected $144 billion deficit for 2021/22.

With prices for most goods rising, the vast majority of Canadians have admitted to needing to cut back on their expenses, with a quarter of Canadians admitting to going into debt to keep up with everyday expenses.

Canada’s year-over-year inflation reached 7.6% in July despite rapid interest rate hikes from the Bank of Canada and reassurances from the Trudeau government.

Majority of parents rejected woke “anti-racism” Hamilton school board policy

By
Cosmin Dzsurdzsa
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A survey of community members by the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) on its Anti-Black Racism Policy found that “a large proportion” rejected the policy on grounds that it was divisive and racist. 

The HWDSB engaged hundreds of parents and guardians in a survey to be presented to the Policy Committee on Sept. 14. 

“(Respondents) feel that this is an American issue and feel all children should be treated equally. 65% of written, online comments were opposed to this policy implementation,” the consultation explained. 

“Negative comments outlined that we are practicing (critical race theory), that anti-Black racism does not exist.”

A total of 278 responses were received, 82% of which were given by parents, guardians or caregivers. 

The feedback also found that “actions that were seen as less helpful were social justice education for students, educating parents and school councils, and curriculum resources.”

“A large proportion of participants who completed the survey were opposed to its implementation for various reasons,” the survey read. 

The proposed policy seeks to dismantle “structural and institutional anti-Black racism” through race-based hiring and promotion policies, mandatory “anti-racism” training and more. 

Parents were opposed to the policy on various grounds, including the claim that the policy would only further perpetuate racism. 

“The Anti-Black Racism Policy and critical race theory perpetuates racism because talking about racism keeps it alive and it treats Black people as if they need help,” the report claimed. 

“(Respondents said) the policy would divide instead of unite.” 

Although the HWDSB has promised to take into account the views of respondents, it intends to follow through with implementing an “anti-Black racism” policy. 

True North reached out to the HWDSB for comment and was told to refer to the agenda packet.

“The staff recommendation is that both the Anti-Black Racism Policy and the Human Rights Policy be recommended for approval,” said HWDSB Communications Officer Rob Faulkner. 

In response to complaints, the HWDSB wrote that while it will take into account concerns from parents it does not intend to amend the policy’s guiding principles. 

“Understand that many within our community will have different opinions on anti-Black Racism. HWDSB must continue to respond to student and community voice, research and operate with the understanding that racism, oppression and marginalization exist within our community, schools and system,” the HWDSB wrote. 

“Guiding Principles were not changed. They reflect the pre-engagement session feedback as well as the draft policy consultations feedback.”

Poilievre demands new tax moratorium from Trudeau

By
Cosmin Dzsurdzsa
-

Newly elected Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to immediately institute a freeze on any new taxes to help Canada’s ailing working class and seniors. 

In his first address to the Conservative caucus since Saturday’s decisive leadership victory, Poilievre called any new taxes “reckless for the future” of Canada’s economy and pledged to advocate for more accountability from the federal government. 

“If you understand that people can’t gas their cars, feed their families, or afford homes for themselves, if you really care, commit today, that their will be no new tax increases on workers and on seniors,” Poilievre said.

“It is not only reckless for the future, but it is too expensive for the present to continue to pile on these debts.  So that is why Conservatives offer practical solutions, like requiring the government follow the same rules families follow in their household budgets.”

Poilievre made the statement alongside his wife Anand Poilievre, who also celebrated their one-year-old son Cruz’s birthday with a cake. 

Poilievre’s plan was praised by Canadian Taxpayers Federation Federal Director Franco Terrazzano on the night of his victory. 

“Great to hear Poilievre’s first speech as (leader) goes after big government debt, wasteful spending and inflationary tax hikes,” said Terazzano. 

Monday’s first statement as leader of the Conservatives echoed many of the concerns he mentioned in his weekend victory speech. 

“Today people feel like they’ve lost control of their pocketbooks and their lives. The cost of government is driving up the cost of living,” said Poilievre on Saturday. 

“They don’t need a government that sneers at them, looks down on them and calls them names. They don’t need a government to run their lives. They need a government that can run a passport office.”

Prior to his election, Poilievre promised he would institute tax reform if elected prime minister. His platform pledged to simplify the tax filing process, cut income taxes and more. 

Charest to return to private sector after lopsided defeat to Poilievre

By
Andrew Kozak
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After finishing a distant second to new Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, Jean Charest says he is returning to the private sector. 

In a video message, the former Quebec premier congratulated Poilievre on becoming leader and urged the party to unite behind the new leader. 

“Now is the time for us to prepare for the next election campaign and unite behind the new leader,” said Charest. 

While he won’t be pursuing a House of Commons seat, Charest says he plans on continuing to be active in the party.

“I will continue to be a member of the party and I’ll continue to fight for the ideas I put forward during this leadership race,” Charest said.

Charest’s private sector experience was criticized during the leadership campaign because of his previous work with the Chinese telecom giant Huawei.

Charest spokesperson Michelle Coates Mather told True North that while the law firm Charest was a partner for, McCarthy Tetrault, was hired to handle multiple issues, his primary role was helping to free Canadians Kovrig and Spavor who had been detained by Chinese authorities.

“Mr. Charest stands by his statement,” said Coates Mather. “He is very proud to have worked with the family of Michael Kovrig in the release of the two Michaels.”

Charest was Poilievre’s main opponent in the leadership race, opposing the Carleton MP’s support of the Freedom Convoy.

Charest accused Poilievre of backing “people breaking the laws” and alleged that his support for freedom demonstrators disqualifies him from being prime minister. 

On Saturday, Poilievre cruised to victory winning with a historic 68.15% of available points on the first ballot. Charest finished second and captured 16.07%. 

Ratio’d | Back to normal is “FAR-RIGHT”!?

By
Harrison Faulkner
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In the “expert” opinion of a TV doctor who also happens to be running to become a school board trustee, if you want to move past Covid and go back to normal, you’re using a “far-right, antivax, antimask talking point.” This TV doctor was also wearing a mask while doing a TV interview…alone in her office. S C I E N C E.

Also on the show, the NDP in Ontario have decided that more useless political stunts are the best way to spend their time while in opposition. Five NDP MPPs are living on a “social assistance diet” for two weeks to draw attention to social assistance rates. The question on this episode of Ratio’d is: did the NDP pull off a hilarious jab at Doug Ford or was it an unintentional consequence of their VERY brave act of solidarity?

Tune into that latest episode of Ratio’d with Harrison Faulkner now!

Six million Canadians don’t have access to a family doctor: Angus Reid survey

By
Cosmin Dzsurdzsa
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Source: Pixaby

An Angus Reid survey found that six million Canadians were without a family doctor and have been searching for over a year to get access to a general practitioner. 

Health care staff shortages across Canada have pushed many to the edge when it comes to getting seen by a doctor in a speedy and accessible manner. 

“Across the country, in Victoria, B.C., a woman took out an ad in a local paper imploring a qualified doctor to come forward and help her 82-year-old husband renew his expiring prescription, having hit a roadblock at every turn in her attempts to find care,” wrote Angus Reid researchers.

“These are the types of stories emerging this summer as a family doctor shortage hits crisis levels across the country. The lack of an intimate relationship with health care through a family physician is causing Canadians considerable consternation and compounding their ability to receive adequate care.”

17% of those polled said that despite their best efforts they have not been able to locate a doctor for their families. Another third said that they can’t get a doctor’s appointment within a week. 

Data shows that those who are younger are less likely to have a family doctor with 28% of men and 21% of women who are between 18 years old and 24 years old not being able to find a doctor. 

The poll surveyed 2,279 Canadians across the country on various health care issues. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 2% or 19 times out of 20. 

Only 18% of Canadians said that their family doctor was able to see them within a day or two. 

BC and Atlantic Canada had the worst results when it came to accessing family doctors. Nearly 60% of British Columbians had difficulties with getting access to a doctor’s appointment.

In a separate poll, Angus Reid also revealed that Canadians were less satisfied with their health care system than their American counterparts. 

Only 15% of Canadians said they were satisfied with the standards of Canadian health care when it comes to access while 29% of Americans said the same. 

“Canadians have become so used to the narrative that you won’t be turned away,” said Angus Reid president Shachi Kurl. 

“They are being turned away (now) or put on hold indefinitely (because of shortages.)”

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