The Frobisher InnSA国际影视传媒檚 conference room was packed with vocal supporters and curious individuals when federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre came to Iqaluit on Sept. 9.
SA国际影视传媒淚SA国际影视传媒檓 just interested in conservative movements,SA国际影视传媒� said Benjamin Hemming, 19. SA国际影视传媒淚SA国际影视传媒檝e been seeing Pierre PoilievreSA国际影视传媒檚 posts all over Instagram and Facebook. SA国际影视传媒淭his will be my first time voting, so I thought I would come out and see what he has to say.
SA国际影视传媒淚 donSA国际影视传媒檛 really know too much, ISA国际影视传媒檓 here to learn, but I like the 'Axe the Tax' idea and calling out TrudeauSA国际影视传媒檚 ways. ISA国际影视传媒檓 here to see what his values are,SA国际影视传媒� Hemming added.
Like Hemming, Dave Charles showed up "because ISA国际影视传媒檓 trying to keep an open mind. I want to see the man without the filters... see what he has to say instead.SA国际影视传媒�
Poilievre gave a speech and introduced his shadow minister for Northern and Indigenous Affairs, Bob Zimmer, whom he described as an SA国际影视传媒渁vid hunter, like many in this room.SA国际影视传媒� Both were sporting slogan T-shirts to support the Conservative campaign SA国际影视传媒� Poilievre wore an SA国际影视传媒淎xe the taxSA国际影视传媒� shirt he said was designed by his wife Ana, and Zimmer, a former carpenter from Alberta, sported a shirt reading SA国际影视传媒淧rotect hunters.SA国际影视传媒� Both slogans were available on signs for attendees.
Poilievre spoke to his SA国际影视传媒渃ommon senseSA国际影视传媒� campaign platform at length, covering many issues in the North from cost of living, food affordability, housing, hunting rifle rights, and Arctic security and defence.
Also among the 40 or so people in attendance and introduced at the beginning of the rally were Nunavut Environment Minister Daniel Qavvik and Nunavut Tunngavik vice-president Paul Irngaut, who previously ran as a federal NDP candidate.
Irngaut said he was attending out of interest.
SA国际影视传媒淚SA国际影视传媒檓 just hearing what he has to say. ISA国际影视传媒檓 not committed to anybody, just here to listen,SA国际影视传媒� he said.
Others at the rally were already decided voters, excited to hear more from Poilievre and meet the man behind the slogans.
SA国际影视传媒淚SA国际影视传媒檝e been a Conservative supporter since the day I could vote,SA国际影视传媒� says Bryan Hellwig. SA国际影视传媒淚 kind of like what Pierre Poilievre stands for, so this is an opportunity to meet him, of course.SA国际影视传媒�
Hellwig, a small business owner, added that he believes Conservatives are more supportive of businesses than TrudeauSA国际影视传媒檚 Liberal government.
Mike Vaughan was eager SA国际影视传媒渢o see what our future prime minister has to say. HeSA国际影视传媒檚 saying all the right things SA国际影视传媒� get the the carbon price down, get the news media under control.SA国际影视传媒�
Badri Mani is also concerned about the carbon tax.
SA国际影视传媒淔uel prices in Nunavut, particularly in Iqaluit, are already significantly high, and the annual increase in the carbon tax is placing additional pressure on residents," he said. "Given the territory's reliance on fossil fuels for heating, electricity, and critical infrastructure, this approach may not result in meaningful progress on climate change.
"For years, fuel-generated power has been NunavutSA国际影视传媒檚 backbone, and transitioning to alternatives presents unique challenges," he added. "Rather than further burdening residents, especially with rising taxes, we should explore sustainable solutions that are both economically viable and considerate of the regionSA国际影视传媒檚 harsh environment and geographic isolation. The focus should be on practical strategies that address NunavutSA国际影视传媒檚 specific needs without imposing additional financial strain."
