Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says Canada has become saturated with cause-based awareness months, arguing that the growing number of designated observances makes it difficult for Canadians to keep track of their purpose.
Speaking at a press conference on June 19, Poilievre said there are now so many months dedicated to various causes and groups that their significance is becoming diluted.
“I think there are so many months now that are dedicated to so many causes it’s kind of getting hard to keep track of which month is for what cause or for what group,” he said.
Poilievre argued that Canadians should be treated equally regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics. He criticized what he described as “woke indulgences” and said public discourse should focus less on identity-based distinctions.
“My view is that we should treat everyone equally, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation or any other irrelevant characteristic,” he said.
The comments came amid a broader discussion about identity, history, and national unity. During a town hall event in British Columbia the following day, Poilievre responded to a recent high school graduate who said her school had compared the student body to “an occupying army.”
The graduate asked whether she should be viewed as a colonizer or as a British Columbian and Canadian citizen. Poilievre replied that she was a citizen and said Canadians should not be divided by what he called race-based narratives.
“We have to stop dividing our people with this kind of awful race propaganda,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.
Poilievre’s remarks generated significant discussion online, with supporters arguing that Canadians are increasingly being categorized by identity rather than united by citizenship. Some social media users expressed frustration with the growing number of awareness months and called for greater recognition of groups such as veterans and first responders.
Others, including some Indigenous commenters, said they agreed with Poilievre’s criticism of labeling Canadians as “colonizers,” arguing that such language can be divisive and counterproductive.
The debate reflects broader national conversations about diversity, reconciliation, identity politics, and how Canada recognizes different communities and historical experiences.
