Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned a Pierre Poilievre government could bankrupt Canadians and violate their charter rights, at a fundraising dinner in downtown Winnipeg Thursday evening.
“Right now, when we’re seeing a backsliding of democratic principles around the world… now is exactly the time to double down on who we are as Canadians,” Trudeau said during “an evening with Justin Trudeau” at the Fairmont Hotel.
He highlighted hot-button topics such as the federal budget, climate change and housing, amid the backdrop of a slump in the polls about 18 months away from an election.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks to supporters during a Liberal party fundraising event at the Fairmont Hotel in Winnipeg on Thursday.
Trudeau claimed Poilievre would invoke the notwithstanding clause, legislation to overrides charter rights, if elected prime minister next year.
“For any federal politician to announce that they’re willing to suspend or override fundamental rights and freedoms that protect all Canadians at any time — that would be concerning,” he told the 119 attendees, who paid $1,725 each (those 35 and younger paid $875 each.)
The Conservative leader has suggested he would use the clause to protect laws brought in by his government from being overturned by the courts.
During his speech, the prime minster highlighted the successes of his government and promised to continue the work if re-elected. The election must take place on or before October 20, 2025.
Former Manitoba Liberal Party leader Dougald Lamont was among the crowd that included Winnipeg MPs Dan Vandal and Terry Duguid, as well as Manitoba Métis Federation president David Chartrand.
The prime minister promised to continue to spend money when it’s in the interest of Canadians, tackle the housing crisis and protect the new dental care and pharmacare programs.
“Conservatives say we have to stuff our money under a mattress, pay down the debt and do less to support Canadians in this difficult time… our focus as a government has always been an understanding that confident countries invest in themselves and invest in people,” he said to applause.
The party has rolled out fundraising events across Canada in the last few weeks. After Trudeau’s remarks, Liberal party president Sachit Mehra, a Winnipeg restaurateur, said May is shaping up to be the biggest financial success of the year.
In 2023, the Conservative party had a banner fundraising year as it brought in more than $35 million, according to reports filed with Elections Canada. The Liberals brought in just $15 million in that time.
The Liberals are under the gun to regain support as their popularity lags after almost nine years in government.
In Winnipeg in March, Poilievre revved up a boisterous crowd of supporters at his “axe the tax” rally. The catchphrase doubles as a promise to repeal the federal carbon if elected to government.
As of April 1, the carbon price accounted for 17 cents per litre of gasoline, 15 cents per cubic metre of natural gas and 21 cents per litre of diesel fuel.
Trudeau has remained defiant despite pushback from premiers and the Tories.
“Mr. Poilievre is going around throwing up his hands and saying ‘Canada is broken,’” he said. “(Poilievre) is more focused on winning an argument or gaining power than (helping).”
A small band of protesters picketed outside the hotel, carrying signs emblazoned with slogans such as “Trudeau is a traitor.”
Ann Schimanowsky said she worries for her freedoms under the Trudeau government, while Robin Beliveau said the prime minster is making Manitoba poorer.
“With all the debt that he’s put into our society by handing out CERB so easily, now having a dental benefit — he’s basically making Canada go broke,” she said, while holding a poster with the words “Traitor — you’re killing” on it.
During his remarks, the prime minister criticized Poilievre for dividing Canadians by claiming the nation is on the brink of oppression.
“If you listen to the conservatives, they’re on the verge of bankrupting Canada,” he said.
The federal conservatives accused the Liberals this week of failing on the housing front, citing high rent and mortgage costs and a drop in building permits.
“Canadians cannot afford this anymore. For renters and aspiring homeowners, Justin Trudeau is not worth the cost,” the party’s news release said.
Nicole Buffie
Multimedia producer
Nicole Buffie is a multimedia producer who reports for the Free Press city desk.
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