On March 9, 2025, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre energized a crowd of approximately 2,500 supporters at RBC Place in London, Ontario. The rally, titled “Bring It Home,” took place just hours before Mark Carney was announced as the new leader of the Liberal Party, setting the stage for an intense political showdown ahead of the upcoming federal election.

Key Takeaways

• Poilievre’s rally attracted around 2,500 attendees, showcasing strong grassroots support.
• The event occurred on the same day Mark Carney was elected as the new Liberal leader.
• Poilievre focused his speech on domestic issues, including tax cuts, housing, and crime.
• The rally featured a mix of enthusiastic supporters and vocal protesters outside the venue.

Rally Highlights

During his 40-minute speech, Poilievre emphasized his commitment to prioritizing Canadian interests. He criticized Carney, labeling him as a “globalist and elitist” with ties to the Trudeau government. Poilievre’s remarks included:

• Tax Cuts: He promised to eliminate the GST on new homes and urged provinces to remove their sales taxes to stimulate housing development.
• Crime and Drug Policy: Poilievre pledged to tackle rising crime rates and the opioid crisis, which has claimed thousands of lives since 2016.
• Economic Strategy: He vowed to reverse the Liberal capital gains tax and incentivize investments in Canada, stating, “What we need in this country is boots, not suits.”

Supporter Sentiment

The atmosphere at the rally was electric, with attendees chanting slogans like “Bring It Home.” Many expressed confidence in Poilievre’s leadership and the Conservative Party’s direction. Supporters included students and local residents who articulated their desire for immediate elections to bring about change in government.

• Jordon Chortos, a London resident, stated, “The Liberal Party needs to understand that it’s up to the people. You don’t just get to stay in power forever.”
• Matt Lasker, a student, emphasized the importance of political engagement, saying, “I want the cost of living to go lower. I want things to be more accessible to people my age.”

Protest Outside the Venue

While Poilievre rallied his supporters inside, a smaller group of protesters gathered outside, voicing their opposition. The police maintained a presence to ensure the two groups remained separate, with no significant incidents reported. Protesters accused Poilievre of being akin to a Canadian version of Donald Trump, highlighting the polarized political climate.

Looking Ahead

As the political landscape shifts with Carney’s leadership, Poilievre’s rally signals a critical moment for the Conservative Party. With a federal election looming, the party aims to capitalize on its current polling advantage and rally support against the newly appointed Liberal leader. Poilievre concluded the rally with a call to action, promising to restore the promise of Canada as a land of opportunity for all.

In summary, the rally not only showcased Poilievre’s strong support base but also highlighted the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as Canada approaches a pivotal election season.

Sources

• Despite poll slump, Poilievre supporters confident as Conservative leader rallies in London, Ont., CBC.
• Pierre Poilievre rallies in London, Ont. – CTVNews, CTV News.
• Pierre Poilievre slams Mark Carney as London rally draws 2,500 supporters, London Free Press.
• A look inside and outside Pierre Poilievre’s rally in London, Ont., CBC.
• Pierre Poilievre hosts ‘Bring it Home’ rally in London | News, The Gazette • Western University’s Newspaper.