Carney, Poilievre, and Singh Deliver Final Appeals Amid Vancouver Tragedy Casting Shadow Over Election Campaign

April 27, 2025 TruthUSA

A tragic mass casualty event occurred in Vancouver on the evening of April 26, disrupting the plans of various federal party leaders who had aimed to connect with supporters in several cities on Sunday as they approached election day on April 28.

According to the Vancouver Police Department, at least 11 individuals lost their lives and many others sustained injuries after a man drove his vehicle into a gathering during the Filipino community’s Lapu Lapu Day Block Party on April 26.

During a rally in Oakville, Ont. on Sunday, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre urged supporters to take a moment to recognize the attack, which occurred Saturday night at 8:14 p.m. near Fraser Street and East 43rd Avenue.

“I encourage you to say a prayer for those who are grieving today, or who may have lost their own lives. We come together as Canadians to honor their memory, drawing inspiration from the lives they led.”

Earlier that morning, Poilievre conveyed his condolences at a media event in Mississauga, Ont., acknowledging that Canadians are “shocked, heartbroken, and saddened by this senseless act of violence.”

Other party leaders have expressed their condolences as well early on Sunday.

Liberal Leader Mark Carney adjusted his schedule for April 27 following the news of the attack. He held a press conference in Hamilton, Ont., to address the incident before moving on to a campaign event in Saskatoon.

A Liberal rally in Calgary and another in Richmond, B.C. have been cancelled, while a rally in Edmonton will be scaled down.

“Last night, families lost a sister, brother, mother, father, son, or daughter. These families are living through every parent’s worst nightmare,” Carney said in Hamilton. “To them, to those injured, and to the Filipino-Canadian community, I extend my heartfelt condolences.”

Carney followed up later with a social media update, mentioning that he had spoken with B.C. Premier David Eby.

“The Vancouver Police Department and local officials have the full backing of our federal government as they conduct their investigations,” Carney stated.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh also had numerous campaign events planned for Vancouver, New Westminster, and Coquitlam, B.C., and was expected at the Vaisakhi parade in Oliver, B.C. to celebrate the Sikh holiday. All these events have been called off.

Singh plans to attend a Filipino church service at St. Mary’s Parish in Vancouver at 3 p.m. local time.

In an emotional address in Penticton, B.C. on Sunday afternoon, Singh vowed to never allow “hate to prevail.”

“We honor those we’ve lost, not through fear, but by embodying their spirit, by creating a Canada where no one is deemed disposable,” Singh said to reporters.

‘Great Canadian Promise’

During his rally in Oakville, Poilievre pledged to restore the “Great Canadian Promise.” He called on supporters to vote for the Conservatives to tackle affordability issues, including housing and food prices, while ensuring safer streets. He expressed that the role of an elected official is to serve the public.

“Minister means servant. Prime minister means first servant, and it will be my honor to serve each of you to bring about the change you deserve,” he declared at the event.

Poilievre also paid respects to “the individuals who came before us,” asserting that their vision provided the opportunities many enjoy today, opportunities he believes must be restored. After what he termed the “lost Liberal decade,” he mentioned witnessing “an increase in crime, chaos, drugs, and disorder.”

“We aim to restore our freedoms, repeal censorship, honor the contributions of those before us, and end cancel culture. Instead of demolishing old statues, we will erect new ones because we are proud to be Canadian. We cherish this country and the contributions of its founders,” Poilievre stated.

Poilievre reiterated his commitment to implement “100 Days of Change” if his party assumes power. He plans to introduce three significant bills: the Affordability–For a Change Act, the Safe Streets–For a Change Act, and the Bring Home Jobs–For a Change Act. He emphasized that these bills should be passed before politicians adjourn for summer break.

The Conservative platform, unveiled on April 22, contains numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing affordability. The Conservatives promise to lower the lowest income tax rate by 15%, bringing it down from 15% to 12.75%, eliminate the GST on new homes priced under $1.3 million, abolish the federal carbon tax, eliminate increases to capital gains tax, and waive taxes on reinvested investment earnings in Canada until the end of 2026.

To enhance public safety, Poilievre stated he would repeal the Liberals’ Bill C-75, which he characterizes as a “catch-and-release” bail law. Bill C-75 modified bail regulations within the Criminal Code, directing judges to prioritize releasing the accused at the “earliest reasonable opportunity and under the least onerous conditions.”

“We will eliminate house arrest, ensuring serious offenders serve their time in prison rather than at home,” he declared, additionally proposing to repeal Bill C-83, which he argues has resulted in serial killers and rapists, including Paul Bernardo, being released from maximum-security facilities.

“We will introduce a ‘three strikes, you’re out’ law, mandating ten years of incarceration for three offenses—no bail, parole, probation, or house arrest.”

Poilievre also mentioned plans to expand the construction and production of Canadian energy, asserting that this will generate high-paying jobs and facilitate home ownership for individuals.

Health Care

While addressing reporters in Penticton, B.C., Singh stated that it was due to NDP supporters that Canada now benefits from programs like dental care and pharmacare. Referring to his prior comments, he expressed concerns that a Carney-led government would cut crucial services and provincial transfers, particularly in health care.

“[Carney] indicated he would slash $28 billion in services,” Singh stated. “This could jeopardize vital support at a time when we should be strengthening these services.”

Singh reiterated his commitment to include mental health care within Canada’s public health-care framework. “It must be fundamentally integrated,” he asserted.

The NDP leader also emphasized that he makes “no apologies” for how federal parties can collaborate, alluding to the past supply-and-confidence agreement with the previous Liberal government led by Justin Trudeau, which enabled the provision of dental care to millions.

‘Come Together’

At a rally in Edmonton on Sunday evening, Carney promised to extend federal dental care to 8 million Canadians if elected. He also pledged to make significant investments in health care, focusing on mental health and substance abuse treatment. Carney’s costed platform includes allocating $4 billion to construct and renovate community health infrastructure, such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, to improve access to healthcare across Canada.

Reiterating his key themes, Carney positioned his campaign as the one most capable of standing against U.S. President Donald Trump and his array of tariffs. He claimed that the United States has “disrupted the global economy” and altered its “long-standing relationship” with Canada. He expressed the need for a “strong, responsible government” to effectively respond to the United States.

“I need your support tomorrow,” Carney urged his supporters. “Tomorrow, without conditions.”

Touching on the Canadian economy, Carney remarked that it is vital for Canadians to “come together to advocate, protect, and build,” including the implementation of counter-tariffs against the U.S., which the Liberal government has enacted.

“Every dollar from our counter-tariffs is returned to the workers and businesses most impacted,” he affirmed.

Carney reiterated his commitment to eliminate all federal trade barriers by July 1, Canada Day.

The Canadian Press and Noé Chartier contributed to this report.

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‘Great Canadian Promise’

Health Care

‘Come Together’

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