Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre has recently remarked that Pride month is about freedom. However, when asked if he would attend a Pride parade to show his support for this freedom, he offered no commitment. This reluctance strikes a dissonant chord, especially given his readiness to not only voice his support for a trucker convoy but to physically march with them, which he also claimed was a demonstration of freedom. The discrepancy begs the question: Is our leader selectively interpreting the concept of freedom, or is there an underlying apprehension about offending the far-right factions within our party's fold?
The Shadows of Past Leadership
The Conservative leader now stands at the precipice of anticipation and action. As Pride month is upon us, he is presented with a choice – to clothe himself in reservation, mirroring the path trodden by his predecessors, or to step forward with audacity, celebrating this occasion with the enthusiasm it truly deserves. This might appear to be a divergence from the standard practices of our past leaders. Our well-regarded former Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, upheld a certain aloofness from such festivities, not borne out of prejudice, but perhaps attributable to his more introspective nature.
Then, we face the shadow of Andrew Scheer's reign, a time marked by missteps and ill-advised declarations that still reverberate within the revered halls of our party. His stance on same-sex marriage seemed disconnected from the prevailing societal norms, putting a dent in our party's image and commitment to all Canadians.
The Challenges of Present Leadership
The case of Erin O'Toole offers a different lesson. Though his intent was honourable, his leadership coincided with the global pandemic, rendering public events and gatherings unthinkable. His choice to participate virtually showed his solidarity, though it was an imperfect substitute for physical presence, the circumstances compelled him.
We can look further to successful Conservative leaders on the provincial stage for inspiration. Doug Ford, Tim Houston, and Francois Legault have all walked in Pride parades, demonstrating a kind of leadership that embraces diversity and inclusivity. Even on the more populist side, leaders have engaged with Pride events - Danielle Smith, a key ally of Poilievre, has attended Pride events.
This brings to mind a lesson I learned while serving under Gerald Keddy, a Conservative MP from Nova Scotia, during the enactment of the same-sex marriage bill in Canada. His support, deviating from our party’s prevailing sentiment, was unexpected. His explanation was simple yet profound - it wasn’t about politics. He was doing what he believed was right. This was a poignant reminder that politics, above all, should be a manifestation of our principles.
The Peril of Pandering: A Delicate Dance
Our journey towards a more inclusive conservatism is riddled with potential pitfalls. Recent election results have shown us that there's a battle to reclaim the votes that strayed towards the People's Party of Canada (PPC) under Maxime Bernier. There's a hypothesis worth considering here - could Poilievre be strategically delaying a clear stance on Pride until after the June 19 by-election in Portage-Lisgar? His aim might be to secure the far-right vote and keep Bernier under the 20% threshold, thereby avoiding any potential loss of support that could arise from a public show of support for Pride.
This fight for the hearts and minds of social conservatives has caused a palpable tension within our ranks, making the task of appeasing both wings of the conservative voter base akin to a tightrope walk. If Poilievre is indeed delaying support for Pride for electoral gains, it presents a disturbing reality. This tactic indicates a willingness to sacrifice principles and delay support for diversity and inclusivity. It's a possibility that is quite disheartening and, we sincerely hope, not true.
Bernier's attempts to politicize sensitive issues such as abortion have further complicated matters. Poilievre, in response, finds himself in a quandary, balancing the act of retaining social conservative voters without alienating the rest. This delicate dance runs the risk of Poilievre appearing more concerned about losing voters than about upholding the principles of freedom he espouses
In the end, the question becomes: Will our leader be guided by political winds or by the principles of freedom and inclusivity he professes? The choice Poilievre makes will shape the course of our party's evolution and its place in the heart of the Canadian electorate.
A Defining Moment for the Conservative Party
Thus, we return to Pierre Poilievre's assertion that Pride month symbolizes freedom. His words have set a precedent, and his actions in the coming weeks will determine our party’s trajectory. Should he falter, showing up for the truckers yet shying away from Pride, the repercussions could be grave. The shadow cast on his leadership, the questions raised about our commitment to inclusivity, and potential damage to our rapport with the LGBTQ2 community and public at large could be severe. Moreover, it suggests a willingness to compromise our principles for electoral gains.
The Litmus Test
As we look to the future, we envisage a Conservative Party evolving in tandem with our society - a party shedding outdated biases, embracing change, and celebrating diversity.
With that, Pride Month presents a unique opportunity to honor the breadth of life experiences and identities that enrich our country. Let's affirm that conservatism is not about restricting, but about broadening horizons. If our leader readies himself to march, let's rally behind him, demonstrating our unwavering support for a more diverse, accepting, and inclusive Canada.
The Embrace of Authenticity
The act of marching in the Pride Parade is a commitment not just to diversity but also to authenticity. As Poilievre approaches this moment, his actions will either underscore his previous affirmations about freedom or they will expose a hollow rhetoric. If he asserts that the trucker convoy is about freedom, and likewise Pride Month, then he should have no qualms about participating in both.
For the sake of our party and our country, I hold a firm belief that Poilievre will make the right choice. I believe that he will prove his critics wrong, show up, and march in the spirit of Canadian diversity and inclusivity. With this act, he will help redefine the image of conservatism, leading us into a new era of acceptance and respect.
Pride Month as a Test for Our Party
Thus, Pride month is not only a celebration of diversity, but also a litmus test for our party, for our leader, and for the broader conservative community. I am confident that we will pass with flying colors, showing Canada, and the world, that our party truly is one for all Canadians.
An Invitation
In conclusion, as a former national campaign manager and current conservative commentator, I'm grateful for your time and interest in my work. I strive to provide insight, perspective, and provoke thought on important issues shaping our party and our country. If you wish to continue to read my musings, I invite you to subscribe and receive updates directly to your inbox. As we explore the complexities of politics together, my hope is that you'll find the journey both informative and enlightening. Here's to making sense of the world, one column at a time.
I believe freedom includes the ability to say no, and not be pressured into participating in events that don’t align with personal morays, ethics, or beliefs.
Freedom doesn't include practicing political character assassination of anyone who gets in your way. Your party no longer portrays the values of a vast majority of Canadians.