Poilievre isn’t pivoting, but he’s stepping lightly around a few things

Pierre Poilievre, a staunch conservative and candidate for the Conservative leadership in 2022, has stayed true to his principles throughout his campaign. Despite calls for him to pivot, Poilievre has remained steadfast in his belief in lower taxes and public spending. His campaign platform, unveiled recently, reflects these core beliefs.

The platform includes promises to cut income taxes, reduce capital gains taxes, eliminate the GST on new homes, and freeze the excise tax on alcohol. These measures would result in a reduction of federal revenues by billions of dollars over the next few years. Additionally, Poilievre’s plan includes cuts to Crown corporations, foreign aid, and federal programs in various sectors.

One notable absence from the platform is the word “woke,” which Poilievre has used frequently in the past as a pejorative term. The platform also does not include his previous vow to fire the governor of the Bank of Canada or ban ministers from attending the World Economic Forum. However, the platform does hint at using the notwithstanding clause for certain policies.

One of the key features of the Conservative platform is the inclusion of “dynamic scoring,” which projects higher government revenues based on the economic growth resulting from the party’s policies. This approach has raised some eyebrows among policy experts, as it is not typically used in budget projections. The platform also includes promises to increase defence spending and provide funding to municipalities for development projects.

While the Conservative platform outlines significant cuts and changes to federal policies, it lacks a detailed plan for addressing climate change. Poilievre has consistently advocated for technology-based solutions over taxes when it comes to climate change. The platform repeals several federal climate policies without offering an alternative plan for reducing Canada’s emissions.

Overall, Pierre Poilievre’s conservative platform represents a clear and unwavering commitment to his beliefs. While some may question the feasibility and impact of his proposed policies, Poilievre remains resolute in his vision for a fiscally conservative Canada.