Trudeau says Tories down 'path of amplification of anger and misinformation'

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was asked on Monday whether or not his decision to run in the next federal election will be affected by the Conservatives electing Pierre Poilievre as leader this past weekend.

"I think we're seeing a rise of various forms of populism based on anger and misinformation and disinformation all around the world, in many democracies," said Trudeau. "We've had many conversations with my fellow leaders at the G7 and in other contexts about the pressures that democracies are facing, some external pressures like the pressures put on us by countries like Russia or China or others, but many of them internal with people who are frustrated, scared about where the world's going, worried about their place within it."



"Politicians face a very simple choice: do you allay those fears and empower people and show them how we're going to build a better future, or do you amplify those fears for short-term political gain?" Trudeau said.

"It's the kind of conversations that we had in the 2015 election, and it looks like the kind of conversations we're going to have again with the Conservatives choosing a path of amplification of anger and misinformation instead of actually figuring out how to respond to the real threat of climate change... of making sure everyone is included in the economic growth we're creating," he continued.

"That's the discussion that politicians and all Canadians will be engaged in the coming years, and I'm very excited to be able to lead those conversations with the team behind me."

The comments come just one day after Trudeau criticized politicians who use "buzzwords, dog whistles, and careless attacks" in a back-handed congratulation to Poilievre on becoming leader.

"We all need to work together. Now is not the time for politicians to exploit fears and to pit people one against the other. As you all know, the Conservative Party picked a new leader over the weekend. I want to congratulate Mr. Poilievre on becoming the leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition," said Trudeau. "We've been making every effort to work with all Parliamentarians, and we will continue to do so."

"This doesn't mean that we're not going to be calling out highly questionable, reckless economic ideas. What Canadians need is responsible leadership. Buzzwords, dog whistles and careless attacks don’t add up to a plan for Canadians. Attacking the institutions that make our society fair, safe and free is not responsible leadership. Telling people they can opt out of inflation by investing their savings in volatile cryptocurrencies is not responsible leadership."