Toronto — Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre sat down with Y Media Group Editor & CEO Yudhvir Jaswal for an in-depth discussion on affordability, crime, immigration, and Canada’s global role.
Reflecting on the last federal election, where Conservatives gained ground in the GTA, Poilievre said his party is preparing to do even better next time by focusing on the “daily lives of people” across Brampton, Mississauga, and beyond.
“Our goal is to make the GTA a safe, affordable, happy, united place to raise kids and support families,” he said, criticizing what he called a decade of Liberal “bad decisions” that have led to rising crime, inflation, and housing shortages.
Tackling Crime and Justice Reform
Poilievre was emphatic about crime, blaming Liberal legislation such as Bill C-75 for allowing repeat offenders back on the streets. He pledged to repeal laws permitting automatic bail and house arrest, promising instead a strict “three strikes” rule for violent offenders.
“We need to lock up the criminals — three violent offenses and you’re in jail, no bail, no parole, no probation,” he declared.
He also announced plans for a new “Stand on Guard” law, modelled on the U.S. castle doctrine, that would expand Canadians’ rights to defend themselves during home invasions.
Economy, Jobs, and Immigration
On the economy, Poilievre accused Prime Minister Mark Carney of delivering “economic disaster,” citing declining productivity, youth unemployment, and rising household debt.
He linked Canada’s job crisis to the temporary foreign worker program, arguing it suppresses wages and crowds out opportunities for young Canadians. “Let’s get rid of it altogether,” he said, promising higher wages and more jobs for domestic workers.
Conservatives, he added, would eliminate capital gains taxes for Canadians who reinvest in the country, which he described as “rocket fuel for our economy.”
Energy, AI, and Sovereignty
On foreign policy and Canada’s role in a shifting world order, Poilievre called for a “Canadian Sovereignty Act” to fast-track resource development and make the country more self-reliant. He argued Canada could become a global leader in energy exports and artificial intelligence by leveraging its natural resources and talent pool.
“These AI data centres are energy-hungry beasts,” he noted. “Canada has the hydro, gas, and uranium to power them — and that’s a huge competitive advantage.”
Regional Priorities
Addressing voters directly, Poilievre thanked York Region for its strong Conservative support, pledging to deliver safer streets, lower taxes, and more affordable housing.
He also targeted entrepreneurial communities in Mississauga, Oakville, and Burlington, saying Conservatives would create an investment-friendly environment to “bring business back home.”
For Toronto, he painted a sharp contrast with Liberal governance: “The crime, the chaos, the tent cities, the out-of-control housing costs — you don’t have to live this way. Conservatives have a plan for safer streets, lower taxes, and an affordable city.”
Final Message
Poilievre closed by offering Canadians a hopeful alternative:
“It’s dangerous, expensive, and for many, hopeless after 10 years of Liberals. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We will deliver stronger take-home pay, safer streets, solid borders, and a self-reliant Canada — a country where hard work pays off, and families can raise their kids in peace and security.”
