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Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre delivered a campaign-style speech in downtown Toronto on Thursday night, addressing young Canadians and declaring that they have “sacrificed enough.” The remarks served as a direct rebuttal to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent address to university students, in which Carney spoke about the need for “sacrifices” ahead of next week’s federal budget.
Speaking to a packed room of youth supporters, Poilievre said he sees “hopelessness and despair” among young Canadians struggling with high living costs and limited opportunities. “I look at the young people I see today, and so often I see a sense of hopelessness and despair,” he said. “I want you to know that I see you. Conservatives see you.”

He described young people working long hours in gig jobs just to afford rent and linked that struggle to broader social issues. “We know that many of you have fallen into a life of addiction because of that hopelessness,” he added. Poilievre contrasted his message with Carney’s, saying: “Our message tonight is exactly the opposite of what youth heard in that somber, dystopic speech from Mark Carney. Our message is you don’t have to live like this.” The crowd erupted in applause when he declared, “Mr. Carney, the young people in this room and across this country have already sacrificed enough.”
Behind Poilievre stood young supporters holding Conservative-branded signs reading “Don’t sacrifice my future,” “Youth for Pierre,” and “Jobs. Homes. Hope.”

The 40-minute address mixed emotional appeals with familiar Conservative themes, including home affordability, job creation, and reducing the cost of living. Throughout the event, Poilievre invited young people on stage to share their personal struggles — from being priced out of the housing market to facing challenges in finding meaningful work. “We are not going to let the Liberals sacrifice your future,” he told them. “You will have a great job, and you will bring home great pay, and have a beautiful future.”

He accused the Liberal government of trying to convince Canadians to “accept this permanent reduction in our quality of life,” adding: “They say that young people are only interested in vibes. Like the vibe you get when you see that your rent is now $2,000 a month. Those are the types of vibes that we’ve gotten used to… But Mark Carney promised there would be different vibes.” Poilievre, 46, joked about being the oldest person in the room and was joined by several Conservative MPs seated among the crowd. Deputy Conservative Leader Melissa Lantsman opened the event by encouraging young attendees to get politically active: “Take pictures tonight, put it online. Tell your friends you are here. Make sure that you share this far and wide.”

The speech underscored Poilievre’s strategy of appealing directly to young voters frustrated by affordability issues — positioning the Conservatives as the party of opportunity and optimism in contrast to what he characterized as the Liberals’ “dystopian” vision.