The Fallout For Poilievre Continues, After Giving Speech To Controversial FCPP Group

Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Canadian Federal Conservative Party and Member of Parliament for Carleton, continues to face criticism for his recent speech to the Frontier Centre for Public Policy (FCPP), a controversial Winnipeg-based think tank with alleged links to the denial of residential schools in Canada, climate change and vaccine mandates.

Residential schools were a system of state-funded institutions that were established in the 19th century with the goal of assimilating Indigenous children into European-Canadian society. The schools were notoriously abusive, with reports of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. The last residential school in Canada closed in 1996, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, established in 2008, documented the devastating impact of the schools on Indigenous communities.

The FCPP, which Poilievre spoke at, has been criticized for its views on Indigenous issues, including its subjective views of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and its promotion of policies that would undermine Indigenous rights. Poilievre’s decision to speak at the FCPP has been widely condemned by Indigenous leaders, colleagues and other organizations, who view it as a sign of his disregard for Indigenous rights and his support for the denial of residential schools.

“In 2008, Mr. Poilievre rightfully apologized for saying that Residential School survivors, many of whom were of very advanced age, should learn the value of hard work. Today’s stunt puts into question that apology.” Said Marc Miller, Minister Crown-Indigenous Relations

Poilievre has a history of making inflammatory statements about Canada’s Indigenous community. In the past, he has opposed the government’s efforts to address Indigenous issues, such as the Indian Act, and has been criticized for his lack of understanding of Indigenous issues. In his speech to the FCPP, Poilievre did not denounce the inflammatory views of the think tank it had made about Residential Schools, which is another missed opportunity for the wanna-be Prime Minister to show leadership.

Poilievre’s speech and association with the FCPP has been widely criticized by Indigenous leaders and other organizations. Assembly of First Nations National Chief RoseAnne Archibald said efforts to downplay the harms of residential schools are “ignorant and unhelpful.”

Poilievre’s divisive leadership and incendiary statements about Canada’s Indigenous community have also been met with condemnation from other politicians. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh said, “Pierre Poilievre has a history of Residential School denialism. Now he’s platforming one of the most vicious deniers in the country. It is dangerous and violent. When someone shows you who they are. Believe them.”

In light of the criticism, Poilievre has defended his speech and his association with the FCPP, claiming that he did not endorse the group’s views and that he was only there to speak about economic issues. However, many have pointed out that his association with the group and his statements about Indigenous Canadians give the impression that he supports their views and that his defense is inadequate and has called for his immediate resignation.