Achi news desk-
Conservative leader Pierre Pouillet is a “fraud” for presenting himself as a friend of the working class, the head of the country’s largest labor organization said Thursday, calling on unions to do everything they can to expose him before the next federal election.
Canadian Labor Congress President Bea Bruska delivered her call to arms as union leaders gathered in Ottawa to strategize ahead of the vote, which must take place before October 2025.
“We must do everything in our power to expose Mr. Pierre Poiliver for the fraud that he is,” Broska said.
“We must not be under any illusions.”
Canada’s three main political parties are already battling for blue-collar votes: Both NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were scheduled to address a meeting later Thursday.
The speeches come on the heels of a federal budget that increases taxes on the wealthy and includes funding for NDP priorities like drug treatments and dental care.
Poiliver was not invited to speak at the gathering.
While polls suggest Poilievre’s message of fairness is resonating with workers, Brosque said his history of supporting back-to-work legislation and supporting giving workers the option to leave unions makes him hostile to labor.
“What he’s claiming today, Mr. Peuilber has a consistent 20-year record as an anti-worker politician and I’m asking you, have you ever, ever, anywhere in Canada seen him walk a picket line,” she said.
The New Democrats voted the same for the Conservative leader.
For his part, Poiliver said he spent the last two years criss-crossing the country and presented himself as a leader who understands the pain and anxieties that working-class Canadians feel in the current affordability crisis.
He made his vow to “lower” the federal carbon price on fuel for NDP-held ridings across British Columbia, including Vancouver Island, and in northern Ontario, where the Liberals also hold seats.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on April 18, 2024.
