Trump’s First-Day Actions Serve as Warning for Canada Under Pierre Poilievre’s Leadership
OTTAWA – The Green Party of Canada is sounding the alarm on the risks of a Pierre Poilievre-led government, drawing troubling parallels between the Conservative Party of Canada’s direction and the far-right influences that shaped Donald Trump’s presidency.
“The actions taken by Trump on his first day in office were a stark reminder of the dangers of divisive leadership and regressive policies,” said Green Party Leader Elizabeth May. “From abandoning climate agreements to launching culture wars, the blueprint for this type of governance is clear, and it’s alarming to see similar rhetoric and priorities echoed by Pierre Poilievre and his Conservative Party.”
“Trump is lying to Americans about the devastating impacts of his actions yesterday, and it’s on all of us to call it out,” said MP Mike Morrice. “Walking away from international climate commitments while Americans have yet to rebuild from the most recent climate-fuelled wildfires is moral and economic madness, while adding tariffs on close trading partners like Canada will only make life more expensive for most Americans – and that’s even if we don’t add our own retaliatory tariffs.”
Parallels Between Poilievre and Trump: A Warning for Canada
- Climate Destruction: Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement was a blow to global climate efforts. Similarly, Poilievre’s empty slogans like “Axe the Tax” on carbon pricing threaten to dismantle critical climate policies. As a member of Stephen Harper’s Cabinet, Poilievre supported Canada’s unprecedented decision to legally exit the Kyoto Protocol in 2011.
- Divisive Rhetoric: Trump’s use of derogatory nicknames like “Sleepy Joe” and “Laughing Kamala” mirrors Poilievre’s past insults, including calling Joe Clark “Jurassic Joe” and mocking Jean Chrétien at partisan rallies. The more recent “Wacko” insult directed at Justin Trudeau is another example. This pattern of behavior undermines respectful political discourse and fosters division.
- Attacks on Women’s Rights: Anti-abortion movements gained significant ground under Trump’s first administration. In Canada, Poilievre leads a Conservative Party with a growing number of anti-abortion MPs and activists influencing party policy, putting reproductive rights at risk. Pierre Poilievre himself took part in the podcast of Jordan Peterson, a well-known right-wing figure who has hosted several pro-life activists on his platform.
- Culture Wars: Trump’s presidency was marked by polarizing “us vs. them” narratives, targeting progressives and marginalized groups. Poilievre has signalled similar intentions by pledging to fight against the so-called “woke” movement, further deepening cultural and political divides in Canada. Trump and Poilievre both want to make oppressed and marginalised groups invisible when they say that they want a “colour-blind and merit-based society”.
Canada Deserves Better
“Canadians don’t want to see the destructive, divisive politics of Trumpism replicated here,” added MP Mike Morrice. “Pierre Poilievre’s playbook is disturbingly familiar: hollow slogans, culture wars, and policies that would set Canada back on climate, equity, and unity. The Green Party is here to offer a vision for Canada that is inclusive, collaborative, and focused on the real challenges we face.”
“The influence of the American right on the Conservative Party of Canada is undeniable,” concluded Elizabeth May. “As we’ve seen in the U.S., this kind of leadership does not serve the public interest. Canadians deserve a government that values evidence-based policy, respectful dialogue, and a commitment to addressing the climate crisis head-on.”
The Green Party of Canada is urging Canadians to carefully consider the stakes of the next federal election. Canadians need to remember that in this country, no one runs for prime minister. We do not directly elect a Prime Minister. We elect a parliament. Holding the large parties in check requires more elected Greens to ensure a minority parliament benefiting from cooperation across party lines. We need solutions, not simplistic slogans.
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For more information or to arrange an interview :
Fabrice Lachance Nové
Press secretary
514-463-0021