Tuesday

17 June 2025 Vol 19

Running with Scissors: A Career Politician’s Risky Campaign Against Trusting … Politicians

Ever hear the advice that you shouldn’t run while carrying scissors?

Well, Pierre Poilievre, a career politician, is galloping full speed ahead with metaphorical scissors in his hot little fists, telling you not to trust politicians—all while going up against a non-politician and well-established monetary master Mark Carney. (See this article on the pros and cons of being a career politician.)

Poilievre frequently promotes the idea that politicians—particularly those in power—should not be trusted. Does he even see the irony?

His messaging often focuses on often-unsubstantiated claims of government corruption, incompetence, and waste, portraying politicians and bureaucrats as self-serving elites who do not act in the best interests of ordinary Canadians.

Some key themes in his rhetoric include:

  • “Gatekeepers” and “Elites”: Poilievre often criticizes government officials, central bankers, and bureaucrats as unaccountable elites who impose unnecessary regulations and taxes that harm Canadians (source). He has pledged to “fire the gatekeepers” to reduce government overreach. YouTube
  • Distrust of Institutions: He has attacked the Bank of Canada and public health officials, suggesting they mislead or harm Canadians through poor policies (source). He has expressed intentions to fire the Governor of the Bank of Canada over disagreements on monetary policy (source).
  • Anti-Establishment Messaging: Poilievre presents himself as an outsider fighting against the entrenched political class (source), despite being a career politician himself. He emphasizes his commitment to holding the powerful accountable (source).
  • Freedom and Personal Responsibility: His political philosophy emphasizes reducing government control and allowing individuals to make their own choices, implying that government interference is generally detrimental (source).

While he doesn’t explicitly state that all politicians are untrustworthy, his rhetoric strongly implies that those in power—assuming of course only his political opponents—are dishonest, corrupt, or incompetent.

This approach aligns with broader populist movements that capitalize on public skepticism toward government (source, source, and source), one that has created the nightmare we are now living through with our southern neighbours, AKA the election of Donald Trump and his lusty trusty sidekick Elon Musk.

Poilievre’s Opponent? Mark Carney.

Mark Carney, in contrast, has a long-established and well-proven track record in financial leadership and economic stability (source). He served as the Governor of the Bank of Canada during the 2008 financial crisis, implementing policies that helped Canada emerge relatively unscathed compared to other nations. His decisive actions included lowering interest rates and ensuring liquidity in the banking system, preventing a deep recession.

Sources: Books such as “Stress Test: Reflections on Financial Crises” by Timothy F. Geithner and “The Courage to Act” by Ben S. Bernanke also reference Carney’s actions and Canada’s relative stability during the crisis. The IMF has published analyses of Canada’s resilience during the 2008 crisis, often attributing it to Carney’s policies.

Following his success in Canada, Carney was appointed Governor of the Bank of England, where he played a crucial role in stabilizing the British economy post-Brexit. His leadership provided financial stability and reassured global markets during a period of uncertainty.

Sources: Books such as “Brexit and Beyond: Rethinking the Futures of Europe” by Benjamin Martill and Uta Staiger discuss Carney’s influence on the UK’s economic response to Brexit. Also, The Guardian: “Mark Carney defends Bank of England’s Brexit response” (2016) highlights his efforts to reassure markets. And, BBC: “Mark Carney: Bank of England governor’s Brexit warning” (2016) discusses his early actions to ensure financial stability.

With a history of navigating economic turmoil and ensuring financial stability, Carney’s expertise stands in stark contrast to Poilievre’s populist rhetoric.

The question remains: Who is better equipped to manage Canada’s economic future—a career politician who thrives on distrust and division, or an economic expert with a history of successfully steering nations through a number of financial crises?

I know my vote will not go to the guy carelessly running with scissors.

A person in a business suit running while holding scissors. Image AI Generated by Perchance
A person in a business suit running while holding scissors. Image AI Generated by Perchance

PN

She/Her. Canadian.