Pierre Poilievre answered questions from reporters on Nanaimo's Commercial St. on Tuesday, Sept 12. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

federal politics

Conservative party leader emphasizes financial prudence, public safety during Nanaimo visit

Sep 13, 2023 | 12:35 PM

NANAIMO — Citing a “costly coalition” between the federally governed Liberals with support from the NDP, Pierre Poilievre pushed a pair of key messages while in Nanaimo.

Hours prior to a large evening rally south of Campbell River, the Conservative Party of Canada leader was in the Harbour City on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

Poilievre said money-printing deficits have driven up the costs of everything across the country, pointing to ever-rising housing prices as a big concern.

“Cap spending, cut waste to balance the budget and bring home lower prices for all Canadians,” Poilievre said.

If elected Canada’s next Prime Minister, Poilievre vows to remove the carbon tax, which he said is responsible for driving up the cost of gas, heat and groceries.

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“And I’ll end the deficits so we can bring down inflation and interest rates.”

He said incentives provided to municipalities will help create additional badly needed homes at more affordable rates.

Public safety was another focal point Poilievre addressed during a one-on-one interview on Commercial St.

“My common-sense plan is to bring jail and not bail for repeat violent offenders and to ban hard drugs and instead give people treatment and recovery to bring home our loved ones drug-free and bring home safety to our streets.”

While leading in many polls, the Conservative Party is attempting to widen its appeal to voters in key urban ridings outside of the prairie provinces.

The conservatives have not had a member of parliament elected on Vancouver Island since 2011, having been shut out on the Island over the past three federal votes.

A tight three-party race saw Lisa Marie Baron (NDP) narrowly defeat Conservative contender Tamara Kronis in the 2021 federal election to secure the Nanaimo-Ladysmith riding.

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On Twitter: @reporterholmes