Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre courts Edmonton voters with affordability push
Poilievre told a crowd of several hundred at a south Edmonton barbecue Monday that his party's top three priorities are 'affordability, affordability and affordability.'
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Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre told a crowd of several hundred at a south Edmonton summer barbecue Monday that his party now has three priorities: "Affordability, affordability and affordability."
The messaging echoes cost-focused talking points the Conservatives have leaned on since Poilievre became leader in 2022. Days before the Edmonton event, he reorganized his shadow cabinet and dubbed it the "affordability team."
Poilievre said his party is pushing for cuts to government consultants, foreign aid, corporate welfare, and "phony refugees" to bring down federal taxes. The industrial carbon tax, GST for used cars, and all gasoline taxes for the rest of the year are also on his chopping block. Edmonton Gateway MP and Conservative Deputy Leader Tim Uppal, speaking at the event, said the message aligns with what he's hearing from constituents.
"Here in Edmonton, affordability is the number one issue," Uppal said. "People just aren't able to make ends meet. Pay cheques are the same, but their expenses have gone up so much higher."
The barbecue also drew separatist demonstrators nearby, who held signs reading "Send Ottawa a message. Choose Alberta." Poilievre used the occasion to back federalism again, telling the crowd he believes in a "stronger Alberta, within a united Canada." The event drew strong support from Conservative voters, with attendees applauding his arrival and wearing shirts reading "Pierre for Prime Minister" and "Alberta loves you, Pierre."
