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“Unpacking Pierre Poilievre’s Dog-Whistling: How His Rhetoric Appeals to White Privilege”

Feb 16, 2023

Pierre Poilievre is a Canadian politician and member of the Conservative Party of Canada. He has come under scrutiny in recent years for his use of dog-whistling tactics and his alleged courting of extremist groups. These tactics are dangerous and divisive, and have no place in Canadian politics.

Let’s take a closer look at some examples of Pierre Poilievre’s dog-whistling and his alleged courting of extremists.

Example #1: Dog-whistling to anti-Muslim sentiment

Pierre Poilievre has been accused of dog-whistling to anti-Muslim sentiment in Canada. In 2015, he criticized the government’s decision to allow Syrian refugees into the country, arguing that it would put Canadian lives at risk. This statement is a classic example of dog-whistling, as it implies that Muslim refugees are a threat to Canadian security. Far-right groups have used this kind of rhetoric to stoke fear and hatred towards Muslims in Canada.

Example #2: Attending events hosted by far-right groups

Pierre Poilievre has also been accused of attending events hosted by far-right groups. In 2018, he spoke at a rally organized by the yellow vest movement, a group known for its anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiment. This kind of association with extremist groups can be seen as a way of courting their support, and it has been criticized by many as irresponsible and dangerous.

Example #3: Legitmizing the Far Right under the guise of “democracy”

Pierre Poilievre has been accused of supporting Diagolon and other far right groups, described as anti-Muslim, anti-semitic and anti-immigrant. In 2022, Poilievre claims they, like him, were fighting for freedom and democracy. This kind of association with extremist groups is deeply concerning, and has been criticized by many as a way of legitimizing their views and providing them with a platform.

https://twitter.com/Theobius/status/1614321863429361664?s=20

Example #4: Using anti-immigrant rhetoric

Pierre Poilievre has used anti-immigrant rhetoric in his political speeches and statements. “Reclaim whats yours” and “Take Back Canada” aren’t just cool slogans Pierre wanted on T-shirts.

Example #5: Courting support from the far-right

Pierre Poilievre has been accused of courting support from the far-right in Canada. In 2019, he attended a fundraiser hosted by the United We Roll movement, a group known for its anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiment. This kind of association with extremist groups can be seen as a way of appealing to their supporters, and it has been criticized by many as a way of legitimizing their views and providing them with a platform. And do we have to talk about Pierre’s public support for the #FluTruxKlan, marching with extremists he later abandoned when he became leader of the opposition?

Conclusion

Pierre Poilievre’s use of dog-whistling tactics and his alleged courting of extremist groups is deeply concerning. These tactics have been used by far-right groups to stoke fear and hatred towards marginalized communities in Canada. As Canadians, we must call out this behavior and demand better from our political leaders. We must work together to build a more inclusive and tolerant Canada that embraces the contributions of all its citizens, regardless of their race, religion, or ethnicity.

Contributing Writers

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