The Hamilton Spectator

Trudeau, O’Toole grilled over mixed messages

Two leaders aim to sharpen their closing election arguments as vote approaches

STEPHANIE LEVITZ TORONTO STAR

OTTAWA — The muddled messages Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau and Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole appear to be sending voters about their priorities complicated efforts by both of them Wednesday to sharpen their closing arguments of the 2021 federal election campaign.

With days left, Trudeau continued to position his party as the sole choice to get the COVID-19 pandemic under control and rebuild the economy afterwards, but faced criticism of the relatively large rallies his campaign has been holding in recent days, with limited evidence of physical distancing on display as crowds jostle for photos and fist bumps.

The Liberals defend the events, including one in Brampton, saying they’ve been organized in accordance with local public health guidance. On Wednesday, Trudeau went even further, suggesting that those who are fully vaccinated ought to be able to return to gatherings like political rallies.

The question, he argued, is why anyone would think a Conservative government would be better when that party doesn’t require its candidates to be vaccinated and has candidates who are accused of trafficking in vaccine misinformation, as one was this week.

“The choice between Mr. O’Toole and his Conservatives’ big tent party, which includes anti-vaxxers, versus us that are focused on science and following the rules couldn’t be clearer,” Trudeau said during a campaign event in Halifax.

O’Toole said the choice is whether Canadians want to reward Trudeau for calling an election during a pandemic, and that the Liberal rallies are putting his entitlement and privilege on full display.

“That’s Justin Trudeau: the man who lectures you about the rules he isn’t willing to follow himself,” O’Toole said during a campaign stop in Quebec.

But questions continue to dog O’Toole about what exactly he would do if his Conservatives form the next government.

The latest issue is his promise to scrap the federal carbon levy. O’Toole has said he would replace the existing rebate sent to consumers with different pricing and a “personal low carbon savings account,” which would allow people to effectively turn those rebates into money they could spend on “green” purchases.

During a meeting with the Star’s editorial board, O’Toole suggested his plan would be optional, and that how and when it might be implemented would be decided by the provinces.

Pressed for further clarity by reporters on Wednesday, O’Toole wouldn’t say whether the current federal carbon levy would still be on the chopping block if the provinces want to keep it.

The federal leaders were campaigning Wednesday in regions where polls suggests races are tight.

The Liberals recently circulated a graphic claiming that people who vote for the NDP in certain ridings would be denying the Liberals a chance at overtaking the Tories.

In Essex, Ont., NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said the Liberals trot out that argument every election.

“Don’t be scared. Vote the way your heart tells you, and don’t let anyone tell you can’t do it,” he said.

“Don’t let anyone tell you that it’s not possible. If enough of you vote New Democrat we can form government, and we will make a big difference in people’s lives.”

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2021-09-16T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-09-16T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://thespec.pressreader.com/article/281642488303304

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