The MP for Battle River-Crowfoot
A quickie on the way forward.
First, congratulations to the Conservative leader on winning the most conservative riding in the country almost as convincingly as Damien (checks notes) Kurek did back in April. What an extraordinary accomplishment.
Second, and perhaps more importantly, congratulations to the federal Liberals for getting the result they wanted. There is no better politician in the country to show, by sheer contrast, just how calm and rational and non-conspiratorial the prime minister is than Pierre Poilievre. If I were a Liberal strategist, I’d so want him to go on and on about the non-existent ban on gas vehicles and vaccines, too. Anything that reminds Canadians of Maple MAGA is a gift to the Liberals. At least for the time being and likely until the midterms late next year.
Third, if you think this will have taught Pierre Poilievre a few lessons about his leadership style, you are sorely mistaken. He will come back more Poilievre-ish than ever. No obvious sign of humble pie absorption will be seen or perceived. He’ll remember to thank his new constituents in his first intervention in the House (after what I predict will be a record long applause from his caucus) and never mention them again.
I’m not happy because I want a competitive opposition and this batch of grievance artists isn’t that. So when we’re back to bitching about endless liberal regimes, you’ll know who to blame. Unless the grown-ups in the party wake up and say enough is enough, especially if polls don’t swing back in favour of the blue team.
In the meantime, buckle up for the New Poilievre, very much like the Old Poilievre except louder and less humble.