NP View: Dear Liberal voters, here are some things worth considering

If there is one thing the Liberal party deserves credit for, it’s how it transformed what looked to be a devastating, even existential, electoral defeat, into frontrunner status a week out from election day. We understand why Liberal supporters have returned to the fold. The chaotic leadership of former prime minister Justin Trudeau was replaced with the relatively steady, calming hand of Liberal Leader Mark Carney, during a moment of intense conflict with U.S. President Donald Trump.

But before you cast your ballots, consider this: the various crises Canada faces — from tariff threats, to sluggish economic growth, enormous deficits, a broken immigration system, rampant violent crime and a poorly equipped military — were all created, or were made much worse, by the Liberal party. Carney’s Liberals are nearly identical to Trudeau’s, and nothing he has offered so far would address these problems.

Take the most immediate concern facing Canadians — the threat of wide-ranging tariffs from Trump, and the possible upending of Canada’s relationship with the United States. Because of geography, trade will continue to go north and south, but Canada would be better equipped to absorb trade disruptions if Ottawa hadn’t brought in a suite of policies that stifle investment and keep wages flat.

Never mind the consumer carbon tax, which the Liberals have set to zero after spending years defending it. Carney has pledged to keep Trudeau-era growth-killing policies, such as the emissions cap on the oil and gas sector and the Impact Assessment Act — the latter of which has been responsible for slowing down infrastructure projects, such as pipelines, LNG terminals and mines, exactly the kinds of projects Carney says need to be built at speeds faster than ever before.

He has also promised to add new environmental regulations that would raise costs even further. This includes carbon tariffs, which would see taxes imposed on imports from countries that don’t meet the Liberals’ climate standards.

For all the talk about standing up to Trump, the truth is that some of the greatest threats to Canada’s economy are internal. Carney has promised to largely maintain Trudeau’s anti-business policies, which will continue to leave Canada vulnerable. Since the Liberals took power, per capita GDP growth has been near-zero per cent, according to IMF data and calculations by Quebec economist Louis Lévesque. If it feels like you’re struggling to get ahead, that is because of federal policies, most of which Carney promises to keep.

Under the Liberals, the national debt doubled, which contributed to the intense inflation that followed the COVID-19 pandemic, and which will be a drag on economic growth for decades to come. Carney’s promises would involve even more spending, not less.

Another area where Canada has been vulnerable is in defence policy, where we have neglected our spending commitments to NATO, left the North unprotected and the Canadian Armed Forces poorly staffed, and even more poorly equipped. Carney’s pledge to increase spending above two per cent of GDP “within a few years” is hardly inspiring.

Over the past decade, housing costs have soared, leaving younger generations unable to purchase a home, even those earning what would be considered good wages. Immigration levels increased at unsustainable rates, putting additional pressure on housing, health care and other services. The reasons why so many people were unsatisfied with Trudeau’s leadership have not been corrected, and Carney has said nothing to suggest he would be any different.

As for the alternative, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has run a consistent and competent campaign focused on affordability and economic growth. Rather than keep economy-killing environmental policies, he would repeal them. To address crime, Poilievre would bring in a three strikes law that would lock up violent offenders for longer periods, and he would permit judges to stack parole eligibility for mass murderers, effectively bringing in consecutive life sentences.

On housing, the Conservatives have identified a key reason buying a home has become so unaffordable — layers upon layers of taxes and fees. Poilievre’s housing plan involves cutting the GST from homes under $1.3 million and reimbursing municipalities for cutting development charges, taking about $100,000 off the price of an average home in Vancouver or Toronto.

On social issues, the Conservative leader is moderate. He said he would not bring restrictions on abortion, and while he wouldn’t expand access to assisted suicide, if elected, “people will continue to have the right to make that choice,” he said on Saturday.

Partisan attacks comparing Poilievre to Trump are not based in reality. Yes, the Conservative leader has taken a populist approach, but it is of a uniquely Canadian flavour. Trump has forced the Republican party away from conservative principles such as the rule of law and respect for free markets, while Poilievre has done the opposite.

It has never been more important to look at the policies of both parties with an open mind. Most especially, Liberal supporters should take another look before casting their votes for Carney.