Let me outline as objectively as possible my history with the Conservative Party of Canada.
Starting with the most recent: my nose-picking attempt to join the Party to vote against the leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre, who has long caused me fear and objection: his arrogance and pride , his right-wing views, his humorless, brash style, and his record of 17 years in parliament. And now surely, the company he keeps. The guy she walked with in Ottawa before Canada Day.
The party is in the process of electing its third leader in five years. The election will be by mail, and you had to join the party by June 2, for a membership fee of $10, to get a ballot. The results will be announced on September 10. There are five candidates, of which only one is worthy of consideration, Jean Charest.
Where I had to leave the process was in the clause that I pledge not to belong to any other political party in Canada. The truth must be told; I am an enthusiastic member of the Liberal Party of Canada and a small monthly donor.
I’ve also been a member of the NDP from time to time, and every election I give small but encouraging amounts to the Greens and NDP. I pay attention to the policies of all parties, and bet on what I believe generates the greatest social good, such as basic income and fair tax policy and universal healthcare.
I am also very concerned about the quality of people attracted to these parties. On these two principles, which party has the superior ideas and personnel, I choose the Liberals, but I never expect perfection.
My analysis is that if indeed Canada is the greatest country in the world, as many attest, then it is the Liberal party and its policies, quality members and enlightened legislation over many years that are largely responsible
I’ve just spent an unpleasant morning looking for information on Poilievre’s walking partner, James Topp. And Topp’s close partnership with Jeremy MacKenzie. They are unpleasant members of the armed forces, although perhaps not for long. They are titled, ill-informed organizers with the convoy of truckers and anti-vaccination fanatics with disturbing views who are aligned with a far-right group called Diagolon.
This is where we have to sit up and take notice. Diagolon comes from the word “diagonal” and means to create a whites-only society from Florida to Alaska, as in diagonally. Black and white flag.
There are quite a few like them out there, making speeches online, tempting other Canadians down the rabbit hole of crackpotism, which is racist, homophobic and anti-Semitic. He is also misogynistic.
Left unattended, in this modern climate of fundamentalism, confusion and scapegoating, a very small movement can turn into something lethal and larger.
So I joined the Canadian Anti Hate Network. I will learn from your research and alerts. I won’t be encouraged by the groups in my country, but it’s better to know than not to know. That way I can do my part to counter those voices. They have a violent tone to their messages and their hatred of the Prime Minister knows no bounds.
The reason I link the Conservative Party of Canada to this hateful move is because they do it themselves. Poilievre is blatantly playing with fire to offer them any legitimacy.
I am publicly calling on our MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha, Michelle Ferrari, to publicly answer why she is supporting Poilievre in the leadership contest. Naively or purposefully, he supported the convoy of truckers in February with its stated aim of overthrowing an elected government.
We need clarity from her at this time.
I’ll let you know what the anti-hate network reports. And together we can call out hate in all its forms.
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