Hundreds of attendees coiled around the 100 block of Niagara Street in James Bay, waiting under the rain to see Liberal Leader Mark Carney in his first visit to the province since the federal campaign was two weeks ago.
Despite being a last-minute meet-and-greet, attendees eagerly shared their thoughts and support for the politician as they patiently waited to enter the Victoria Edelweiss Club on the evening of April 6.
A few dozen metres from the entrance, Greater Victoria resident Brian Simmons stood in line. Having “moved between parties” over the past few federal elections, Simmons said he plans to vote Liberal this time with Mark Carney at the helm.
Because of Carney’s extensive experience leading both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, along with his strong public presence, Simmons said these factors solidified his decision to support the Liberal Party.
“His interview on the Daily Show was particularly impressive,” he said. “He certainly stepped into the role of prime minister very smoothly."
“I think it's gonna be a good transition and energize the nation against Donald Trump.”
Simmons also believes Carney is the most qualified party leader to defend Canadians’ interests and guide the country through the next four years.
“Pierre Poilievre is uninspiring,” said Simmons. “He's never really worked outside of politics, and he's a typical conservative – he's all bluster and he doesn't have very good ideas. He would be just Trump 2.0.”
A few meters away, Carson Robinson and Megan Campbell echoed similar sentiments to Simmons.
As the two attendees slowly walked toward the venue, they said they were eager to see Carney’s true colours as the new leader of the Liberal Party, as he proposes a renewed political platform marking a shift from Trudeau’s nearly decade-long tenure – especially at a time of ongoing tariff wars with our southern neighbour.
“I'd like to know more about some radical shifts that we might accomplish to address our dependence on the U.S. economy,” said Campbell. “It's important to see if he's thinking about how to broaden our trade alliances so we're not so dependent on the US and also stimulate the Canadian economy. I think Carney is starting to show… strength and a lack of willingness to kiss the ring.”
Campbell argued that Carney’s leadership during Canada’s recovery from the 2008 financial crisis, as well as his role in guiding the U.K. through economic turmoil following Brexit, makes him the right choice to lead Canada.
Robinson added that it’s this very experience that could benefit the country.
“It's nice to have someone who has a non-political background and has more of a background in economics that can bring a more practical approach to running the government.”
To read Victoria News' coverage of Carney's address, visit shorturl.at/OBOHb.
