11 April: Outside Brampton’s Embassy Grand Convention Centre on Wednesday night, the scene resembled a concert more than a political event. With no parking left and a crowd of energized supporters streaming in, the enthusiasm reached a crescendo as chants of “bring it home” echoed throughout the packed hall. By the time Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre took the stage—introduced by his wife Anaida—it felt more like a celebration for a future prime minister than a routine campaign stop.
The intense media presence suggested that what’s unfolding at these rallies across Canada might be more significant than the polls indicate. The atmosphere was electric.
Poilievre also received a major endorsement from the Peel Regional Police Association, with its president Adrian Woolley urging a tougher stance on crime. Former police officer and Conservative candidate Ron Chhinzer from Oakville East described Canada’s public safety situation as dire under the “lost decade of Liberal control.”
In a standout moment, Poilievre asked, “How many people in here have had their car stolen?” — and many hands went up. Then, with a touch of humour, he added, “OK, how many of you haven’t had your car stolen?” The crowd erupted in laughter — but the message hit home.
Yet, the most serious topic of the night came at the start: Trump’s tariffs.
Poilievre sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for excluding Canada from his newly announced 90-day tariff pause. “While dozens of countries got a break, Canada — America’s best friend — didn’t,” he said, pointing to ongoing tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, autos, lumber and potash.
The Conservative leader reminded the audience of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s earlier claim of a “productive” phone call with Trump, asking sarcastically, “What progress? What do Canadian workers in Brampton, Windsor, and beyond see from that?”
However, Poilievre made it clear he wasn’t blaming Carney for Trump’s decisions. “No one can control this president,” he admitted. “But that’s exactly why Carney’s campaign — based on the idea that he can— is built on a false promise.”
Poilievre pledged that if elected, he would move quickly to negotiate an end to the tariffs, while ensuring protections for Canadian sovereignty.
He then pivoted to domestic issues, promising bold action to tackle crime — including ending bail for violent offenders — along with cutting taxes, slashing government waste, and reviving the economy.
Importantly, he emphasized a shift in Canada’s approach to the U.S. “We need to stop being so dependent on America — a dependency created by failed Liberal economic policies,” he said. “The real choice in this election isn’t whether you believe Carney can negotiate with Trump — it’s whether you want to remain economically vulnerable.”
Poilievre argued that a Conservative government would strengthen Canada, allowing it to stand firm in trade negotiations rather than react defensively.
Whether this energy translates into polling gains remains to be seen. But as the April 28 election approaches, Poilievre is betting it’s the momentum on the ground — not the numbers in the polls — that will matter most.
