January 14, 2025 | 10:37 AM

NANAIMO —

Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, made a significant campaign stop at a manufacturing business in Duke Point, Nanaimo, on January 14, 2025. This visit is part of his pre-election tour across Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, leading up to the highly anticipated election in spring.

During his speech following the facility tour, Poilievre expressed confidence that his party is well-equipped to implement transformative changes if they gain power in the upcoming elections. He pointed out that government regulations are stifling the housing market, claiming, “Canada has the fewest homes per capita of any G7 nation, despite having ample land available for development.” Poilievre attributed this crisis to slow permit processes and excessive governmental fees, stating that approximately 60% of a new home’s cost in Vancouver can be traced back to government-related expenses.

Proposed solutions from Poilievre include a series of tax cuts aimed at lowering housing costs. Notably, he plans to eliminate the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on new homes, allowing for a reduction of up to $50,000. He also aims to persuade provincial governments to remove the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) on new home sales and to incentivize local municipalities to ease zoning restrictions and significantly cut Development Cost Charges (DCCs), which fund essential community infrastructure.

In addition to housing, Poilievre tackled the issue of crime, particularly focusing on repeat violent offenders. He vowed to repeal laws that enable "catch and release" policies and proposed a "jail not bail" initiative. This would mean that individuals charged with violent crimes would be denied bail or parole, serving longer sentences without the possibility of house arrest. Poilievre provided statistics suggesting that 40 repeat offenders had been arrested 6,000 times in a year, although these numbers have been called misleading by legal experts who argue that such high frequency of arrests is virtually impossible.

Furthermore, he announced a firm stance against illegal drugs, promising to ban substances and defund initiatives perceived as offering "unsafe supply." He asserted that individuals involved in drug trafficking, particularly those he termed "drug kingpins," would face consequences similar to murder charges, justifying this with the lethal implications of distributing dangerous substances.

Since his leadership election win in 2022, Poilievre has visited Nanaimo multiple times, showcasing a growing interest in the region, particularly as the Conservatives seek to reclaim seats in the area, where they currently hold none in Parliament. His previous appearances drew significant crowds, with nearly 1,000 supporters gathering at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in April 2024, reflecting an upswing in Conservative momentum on the Island.

As the political landscape in Canada continues to evolve, the upcoming election poses a critical moment for Poilievre and the Conservative Party, particularly in regions like Vancouver Island, which may see shifts in electoral power.

Stay tuned for more updates on the political scene in Canada, as we keep our eyes on the upcoming election and the potential for change!