18 Comments
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Dan's avatar

With some humility and empathy Poilievre could turn his biological clock moment into an opportunity. He could start today’s press conference with:

“Well, that was awkward. Anaida told me that it is never a good idea to talk about other people’s biological clocks. As usual, she is right. But that does not mean that the problem is not real. Right now couples are delaying getting children because they are not in the financial situation where they feel they can afford children. Recently I met Ellie and George in Milton, they are not sure they will ever be in a financially stable situation to have children. I want to help Ellie and George. Ellie and George deserve our help. Here is how common sense Conservatives will do this etc. etc.”

But that requires admitting a mistake, requires somewhat of an apology. And Pierre is not big at these things as he believes they make him look weak. The problem of a one dimensional candidate.

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Milo Hrnić's avatar

I see your point but I doubt that would work. Men in public life in Canada do not have the social capital to discuss family planning, even when demographics are of the utmost concern for the future of the country.

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Ryan H's avatar

I’m actually a big proponent of the idea that elections should be about general personality and principles, rather than policies. We’re electing people for 4-5 year stretches, and we have no idea what will occur.

In the 2019 election, no one was running on what their policies would be in a global pandemic. In the 2021 election no one cast their vote based on who would best defend our sovereignty against the USA.

Even if I like a candidate’s policies, six months later outside forces might render them unworkable. That’s life. I want a candidate that I can trust to adapt and adjust

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Dan's avatar

I believe most people do this subconsciously already. And typically in the form of a contrast with the other leaders.

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Kathleen's avatar

Always the 'sound-bite' sloganeer. The issue of having children is far more complex than the ability to afford a home. A bit of research on the subject - including local knowledge - informs that the fertility rates of both women and men is changing for a number of reasons.

It continues to mystify why the CPC seem to be consumed by cultural issues like fertility and birthrates - yet not too big on science?? If they chose to get involved with environmental knowledge, they may find some answers. A focus on improving healthcare access would be more appreciated than pronouncements on literally bedroom issues.

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ChrisL's avatar

It's too complicated for their 🧠 That's why they are anti science and pro slogan.

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Danielle Vachon  🇨🇦's avatar

Stay out of the nation's bedrooms

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Charles Parkhurst's avatar

Great article. I am hoping that FIrst Past the Post is going to deliver big time for the Liberals.

I suppose that Pollievre could get Kid Rock to help him campaign however.

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Pierre Dupont's avatar

Not sure this does too much damage to CPC, they've always been the "women are for breeding" party.

A certain Canadian publication's sanctifying Jenni Byrne though...oh boy.

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Ryan H's avatar

There’s a big chunk of voters who like the sorts of financial policies that they project onto “conservative” parties, and hold their noses on the bigotry. With a financially non-threatening Liberal candidate on offer, emphasizing the bigotry to those voters is a big risk to the CPC

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Russell McOrmond's avatar

CPC and its supporters aren't a monolith. The "Unite the Right" movement (to deal with a lack of ranked ballots) joined very different groups together, not all of which are part of the Old Stock European Christian settler mindset when it comes to gender roles.

I think for some people, the reminder of the influence that branch of the party has may make them look past what little unifies the party.

The only thing that brought "Unite the Right" together was a dislike for the LPC, so any time the Liberals aren't the focus is a bad time for that loose coalition party.

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ChrisL's avatar

Sure they are! White males:) (Trucks and hunting rifles optional) Best if the 'good old boys' still think they're in charge of their women folk, if not their own lives.

That's what this weird linkage he made shows. So I guess any single or older women might as well forget about buying a house, because some hetero couple where the woman's biological clock is tolling is going to get the house first, in this dystopian scenario.

This is weird. Polievre is weird. No wonder Canadian women won't vote for him.

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Milo Hrnić's avatar

The problem is that nature just doesn't care about feelings in the end. Demographics is destiny, always and forever. What do they say about death and taxes?

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ChrisL's avatar

Are you honestly explaining biological clocks to me? I've got it, thanks

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Milo Hrnić's avatar

There is nothing more important to a country than raising the next generation. So yeah it will be discussed.

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ChrisL's avatar

I think you're missing the point. In Canada women have a more prominent role in society than simply raising the next generation.

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Maggie Baer's avatar

A Fully Completely OR 5 Days in July guy?

Evan, how is this an either/or question?!

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LibraNorthStar's avatar

Absolutely 💯.... the meme should be Blessed Be the CPC...Tick Tock ⌛️⏰️🔥

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