Pierre Poilievre's inner circle divided over how to tackle gender issues, sources say
CBC
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's advisers are divided on the position the party should take on issues of gender identity and diversity, multiple Conservative sources told Radio-Canada.
While some Conservatives see questions of gender and identity as matters of principle, or as opportunities to make political gains, others fear that the polarizing issue could turn some voters against them in the next election campaign and distract from the pocketbook issues that have been the focus of Poilievre's messaging.
Radio-Canada spoke with about ten Conservatives anonymously, to allow them to express themselves freely.
"We have not yet taken a clear position on the issue," said one Conservative source. "I expected us to go further and move more quickly."
Other party advisers say the leader intends to remain vague on the subject for now.
"He'll be clearer when it's beneficial for him," said one Conservative strategist.
Among those who have Poilievre's ear, "there are those who think they can use this issue to make gains with the base, and those who think the bet is too dangerous because it could lose moderate voters," said a third source.
Asked to comment on internal discussions within his party on the issue, Poilievre's office responded by referring to his past comments in the media.
In June, Poilievre said that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had no business weighing in on New Brunswick's policy on LGBTQ students and called on him to "butt out and let provinces run schools and let parents raise kids."
Conservative members of Parliament steered clear of the issue when asked on Wednesday, following a directive from the party not to speak publicly about the issue.
"I stay out of it," said Manitoba MP James Bezan.
Alberta MP Glen Motz simply said "thank you" and walked away when asked.
Provincial governments in Saskatchewan and New Brunswick have moved to require parental consent before students under 16 can have schools use their preferred pronouns and names — a measure that critics say could put LGBTQ kids at risk.
Poilievre has said that parents' rights must be respected and that it's up to the provinces to decide how to manage the issue in the education system.