Canada’s Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre made a campaign-like stop on Vancouver Island in Duncan on Saturday, speaking about the fishing industry, before expanding to other topics.
Poilievre was joined by Vancouver Island Conservative Members of Parliament Jeff Kibble, Tamara Kronis and Aaron Gunn at the Duncan Meadows Golf Course, where anglers, tourism operators and community members gathered to voice concerns about fish stocks, government regulations and the long-term sustainability of the sector.
The Conservative leader received a warm welcome from attendees before addressing a range of issues, beginning with concerns about Canada’s economy.
“We are now in a recession. We are the only country in the G7 in a recession,” Poilievre told the crowd, adding that Canadians continue to struggle with rising living costs.
Much of the discussion centred on fisheries management. Poilievre criticized a recent Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) policy paper.
“The DFO just published a policy discussion paper that considers the removal of the common property principle that we treasure,” said Poilievre. “As the leader of the Conservative Party, I can confirm that we oppose that proposal and we will fight every day and every way to preserve common property.”
Watch more in the video below:
He also highlighted the recent passage of “Bailey’s Law,” legislation aimed at strengthening Criminal Code provisions related to intimate partner violence. The law, which received Royal Assent earlier this week, increases protections for victims and enhances penalties for offenders.
In the end, the town hall became moved away from fishing and questions focused more on asking Poilievre what Canada would look like under his government.