Canada needs more individuals like Linda McQuaig

I've stated it before, and I'll reiterate: Canada needs more individuals like Linda McQuaig! ****** A flawed argument has entered the discourse surrounding the national election.

It posits that Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre have similar policies, so the decision ultimately hinges on who can best deal with Donald Trump. While it's true that managing the U.S. president is crucial, and polls suggest Carney is more trusted in this regard, the assertion that the two candidates share similar policies is fundamentally incorrect and potentially dangerous. The policy distinctions between Prime Minister Carney and Conservative leader Poilievre are significant. Media coverage tends to highlight superficial similarities—both propose lowering the bottom tax rate and eliminating the carbon tax—while overlooking the vast divides in their respective visions for the country. Carney's agenda aligns broadly with the social contract typically embraced by Canadian Liberals and Progressive Conservatives—a belief that taxes should be progressive and fund social programs that benefit all Canadians. While it's unclear where Carney stands on the specifics—such as the desired level of progressivity in taxation and the extent of social program generosity—he clearly acknowledges the principle. Carney also reflects the traditional Canadian inclination toward a robust government, even as recent years have seen a weakening due to privatization. To effectively counter the threat from Trump, this trend toward privatization must be reversed. Carney's initiative to revive postwar strategies for building affordable housing is a promising start. In stark contrast, Poilievre embodies an anti-government stance rooted in radical libertarian principles, reminiscent of U.S. economist Milton Friedman, advocating for limited government and an expanded role for the market and private sector. In response to Trump, Poilievre primarily proposes further tax cuts for Canadians, a move that would further erode government capacity and increase reliance on the market. Poilievre's commitment to limited government is deep and unwavering; it has defined his life's work. Mark Bourrie illustrates this in his biography, "Ripper." Poilievre was drawn into right-wing politics as a teenager, thanks to his mother, conservative activist Marlene Poilievre, who took him to political meetings and enrolled him in seminars at the radical Fraser Institute. After an injury sidelined him from sports, the isolated teen became deeply involved in Alberta's ultra-conservative protest movement, gaining a reputation for delivering catchy slogans during voter outreach.

"Poilievre is a man who was an outlier when his intellect and personality formed...," Bourrie writes. "His views solidified as a teenager, shaped by the sociopathic rants of Ayn Rand and the harsh economic theories of Milton Friedman." However, Poilievre is astute enough to recognize that most Canadians, outside of Alberta, desire more from their government. Thus, he steers clear of discussing his fundamental beliefs, instead focusing on peripheral issues like the carbon tax.

Yet, he occasionally reveals glimpses of his true vision for Canada—if only the media would take note! During a campaign stop at a Vancouver gas station about a year ago, Poilievre made unscripted comments: "I'm very hesitant to spend taxpayers' money on anything other than the core services of roads, bridges, police, military, border security, and a safety net for those who can't provide for themselves. That's common sense. Let's bring it home." Not a mention of health care, education, or pensions.
This reflects Poilievre's austere vision for Canada—a government restricted to policing, defense, and minimal safety nets for the most vulnerable. It's a perspective instilled in him by his mother, nurtured by the Fraser Institute, and alarmingly close to being realized for Canadians—most of whom remain unaware of his true intentions. By Linda McQuaig, contributing columnist Linda McQuaig is a freelance contributing columnist for the Star, based in Toronto.
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Edited: Bosman