Canadians are reacting after a Liberal candidate put up a billboard quoting controversial remarks by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in his own Ottawa riding.
Locals have recently spotted a billboard in the region of Carleton in Ottawa, ON, highlighting a quote said by Poilievre during an interview with Canadian psychologist and podcast host Jordan B. Peterson earlier this year.
On Tuesday, Liberal Carleton-riding candidate Bruce Fanjoy shared a photo of the billboard which was put up by his team in Ottawa.
Is this “Canada First,” Pierre? #FanjoyVsPoilievre pic.twitter.com/2R5iThkNL3
— Bruce Fanjoy 🍁 (@brucefanjoy) April 22, 2025
Speaking about the trade war launched by the U.S. President Donald Trump in the podcast episode aired on Feb. 2, Poilievre said that “Canada is ripping itself off” by not investing in technology to export gas to different countries and exporting it to the U.S. for a cheaper price.
“We have been so stupid and our bureaucrats have been so obstructive and woke activists have been so fanatical that we have not been able to develop the infrastructure to refine and transport our own energy to world markets.”
The billboard highlights a moment in the discussion, where Poilievre also says that the Americans are not to blame and “we’re stupid.”
“We are actually handing over our resources stupidly. It’s not the Americans’ fault. It’s our fault. We’re stupid. And we’re gonna stop being stupid when I’m prime minister.”
Fanjoy confirmed to Now Toronto that the sign is a response to Poilievre echoing Trump’s arguments.
“Here in Carleton, I’ve spoken to thousands of people who are tired of hearing Pierre Poilievre echo Donald Trump’s talking points. With Trump threatening our economy and sovereignty, Canadians are coming together to stop American-style politics from coming to Canada. Carleton deserves better than a Member of Parliament like Poilievre, and that’s why I’m taking him on in this election,” Fanjoy said in a statement.
CANADIANS REACT TO BILLBOARD
Responding to the billboard, many Canadians were supporting the Liberal candidate’s decision to put up the billboard, with many calling the campaign move bold and criticizing Poilievre for making the comments.
“Ooohhhhoohhh I love it too much. Go Bruce,” one Reddit user said.
“I honestly still can’t believe people support him after having that interview with Jordan,” another user said.
“What a bold message! Definitely gets people talking in the riding,” a different user added.
On the other hand, some users on X criticized the move, saying that Poilievre’s comment posed an honest opinion of the current administration.
“Well he was right, why blame America for our own problems,” one user said.
“Are you saying being ‘Canada First’ means denying any accountability for the situation we’re in? A decade of poor governance has lead us here,” another user added.
“He’s being bluntly honest. Canada should be self sufficient on its own. Trumps tariffs shouldn’t be a worry here, we are an independent country who should not rely on another country for stability,” a different user also chimed in.
