Character Assassination: Poilievre and Opposition Leaders Bully Johnston Into Resignation

Johnston resigns as Special Rapporteur on Foreign Interference, A Blow to Democracy

Late Friday afternoon, David Johnston, the esteemed Special Rapporteur on Foreign Interference, tendered his resignation. This event marks a distressing moment for democracy and a perceived triumph for politicians Pierre Poliievre and the opposition leaders. Over the past weeks, they launched a relentless campaign, tarnishing Johnston’s character by accusing him of being loyal to the Prime Minister due to his association with the Trudeau Foundation. However, it is crucial to consider Johnston’s extensive experience serving on various boards, including his tenure as Governor General under Stephen Harper’s Conservative government. The resignation of Johnston suggests that the bullies have prevailed, as they did not achieve the desired outcome from the non-partisan independent commission and forced his departure. We find ourselves in a disheartening era of Canadian politics, where character assassination has become the norm, undermining the principles of democracy and justice.

The Prime Minister’s appointment of the next Special Rapporteur must prioritize independence and resilience. This individual must possess an unwavering commitment to withstand the onslaught of bullies and their manipulative rhetoric. The ability to confront such adversaries is paramount because failure only perpetuates a culture of intimidation. The opposition leaders have demonstrated that they will go to great lengths to dismantle a person’s character in the name of democracy. However, their actions are contrary to the principles they claim to uphold. Their behaviour indicates that if Johnston’s report had concluded that a public inquiry into foreign election interference was necessary, they would have praised him and hailed him as a true patriot. It is time to discard the hyperbole and address the issue for what it truly is: bullying.

The opposition leaders, particularly Pierre Poliievre, have exhibited bully-like behaviour throughout this episode. Their relentless pursuit to discredit Johnston reveals their desperation and unwillingness to accept facts that do not align with their agenda. It is essential for Johnston’s successor to possess the courage to confront these bullies head-on and outmaneuver them in the political arena. Such resilience is crucial to protect the integrity of the Special Rapporteur’s position and the democratic process itself.

The prevailing climate in Canadian politics, where character assassination is accepted as a legitimate tactic, poses a grave threat to democracy. The opposition leaders must recognize that their actions undermine the very fabric of a democratic society. Pursuing power should not come at the expense of fairness, decency, and the pursuit of truth. True democracy requires engaging in constructive dialogue and respecting diverse viewpoints.

The triumph of the bullies over an individual with an impeccable reputation and a commitment to the truth is deeply disheartening. As Canadians, we must demand better from our political leaders and insist on an independent, resilient successor who will not succumb to character assassination tactics. Democracy can only thrive when politicians engage in honest discourse, respect independent institutions, and prioritize the nation’s welfare above personal gain. It is time to end the era of bullying and reclaim the principles upon which our great democracy was built.

If we fail to address the bullying tactics and allow Pierre Poilievre to run rampant, we risk descending into the very definition of a banana republic. Under Poilievre’s constant barrage of rhetoric, the pillars of democracy and decency crumble, making way for fear, hate, and division. The consequences of such a scenario are dire, as it erodes the foundations of our society and undermines the values we hold dear.

The urgency for change is palpable, but we must acknowledge that it will be an arduous uphill battle. Many voters, particularly those over 25, have already been conditioned to think and act in a certain way due to their environment. With the echo chamber of Poilievre’s rhetoric amplified by the media, we find ourselves navigating treacherous waters.

These are undeniably dangerous times. However, change starts with us, the citizens. We must be vigilant in recognizing the tactics of division and fearmongering and actively seek to counter them with informed, compassionate, and inclusive discourse. We must challenge the status quo, engage in critical thinking, and demand a politics that transcends personal ambition and embraces collective wellbeing.

The road ahead may be daunting, but we cannot afford to succumb to complacency or apathy. Our democracy depends on our active participation and our unwavering commitment to the principles that underpin it. By promoting unity, empathy, and genuine respect for diverse perspectives, we can reclaim the true essence of democracy and build a society where the politics of fear and division are rendered obsolete. The time for change is now, and it is our collective responsibility to steer the course toward a brighter future.