Gregor Robertson draws parallels between rising populist energy and pandemic-era unrest as campaign heats up on the West Coast

As election day nears, the tone of political discourse is getting sharper — and so are the comparisons.

Speaking to reporters in Delta, B.C., Gregor Robertson, former Vancouver mayor and now Liberal candidate for Vancouver Fraserview–South Burnaby, made headlines by drawing a direct line between Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s massive campaign rallies and the 2022 Freedom Convoy protests.

“It’s a political rally, yes — but it’s deeply aligned with the same energy we saw in the truck convoy,” Robertson said.

Crowds Swell on the Right — and Draw Liberal Criticism

Robertson’s remarks came after Poilievre drew thousands to a rally in Edmonton, claiming over 15,000 attendees. RCMP estimates placed the number closer to 9,000–12,000, but either way, the size of the gatherings is commanding national attention.

In contrast, Liberal rallies — though energized — have been smaller and often announced last-minute, party officials say. The Richmond rally hosted by Liberal Leader Mark Carney saw about 2,000 people in the main room, with another 400 in overflow.

“The energy in the room was fantastic,” Robertson said. “But at the end of the day, people will make their decision quietly at home.”

Rally or Protest? A Matter of Perspective

When pressed by reporters on his protest comparison, Robertson clarified that while the events are political rallies, the underlying tone of government resentment at many Poilievre events bears resemblance to the Freedom Convoy movement that paralyzed parts of Ottawa in 2022.

“There’s shared resentment toward government in general that’s expressed at these rallies — here in Canada, south of the border, and around the world,” he said.

Still, Robertson insisted that this, too, is part of a healthy democracy.

“People can show up and express themselves. That’s the nature of democracy. We encourage that in Canada.”

Western Alienation? Robertson Pushes Back

Robertson also took aim at recent comments by former Reform Party leader Preston Manning, who warned that a re-elected Liberal government would further alienate Western Canadians.

“Absolutely not,” said Robertson. “What I’m hearing in Vancouver is strong support for Carney’s plan — especially in standing up to Trump’s tariffs and protecting Canadian jobs.”

He emphasized that while Poilievre’s messaging might resonate with some, it’s not connecting on the West Coast the way it might elsewhere.

Campaign Trail Continues

After a busy three-day swing through British Columbia, Carney flew east to Calgary, where he held another rally that drew approximately 2,300 attendees, inside and outside the venue.

With just weeks to go before the April 28 federal election, the campaign is sharpening — not just in crowd size, but in the narratives parties are using to define one another.

As election day nears, Gladu’s absence sparks conversation while rivals share bold visions at Rotary-hosted forum

With less than a month until election day, the political stage in Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong was missing a familiar face Tuesday evening. Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu, who has represented the region since 2015, opted out of an all-candidates forum hosted by the Rotary Club of Sarnia, citing scheduling demands tied to riding redistribution.

The meeting, attended by approximately 60 local voters and six other candidates, provided a platform for spirited discussion — but Gladu’s absence didn’t go unnoticed.

“I would have loved to have Marilyn here,” said Rotary Club President Jamie Pole. “I think everyone would have liked to hear from her.”

Why Gladu Wasn’t There

In a message to organizers, Gladu explained that her campaign is focused on connecting with new constituents added through the recent riding redistribution, which she says has doubled the geographical area and added 20,000 new residents.

“We have to focus on trying to get to know the new part of the riding,” she told media following the event.

Gladu noted she plans to attend several upcoming forums, including:

• Lambton Federation of Agriculture event in Wyoming (Wednesday)
• Chamber of Commerce debate next week
• All-candidates meeting in Petrolia later this month

“I’ve done 25 debates in the last three campaigns,” Gladu added. “Everybody knows what I think on nearly every issue there is.”

Candidates Share Contrasting Visions

Despite her absence, the conversation on Tuesday evening was robust and reflective of the diverse political spectrum.

Liberal Candidate George Vandenberg

Struck a unifying tone:

“Canada is not broken. And we will not be broken. We must work together and act on our core values.”

Libertarian Candidate Jacques Boudreau

Criticized overregulation:

“We’re drowning in red tape. Liberal policies have tanked the economy with Soviet-style planning and climate extremism.”

PPC Candidate Brian Everaert

Pushed for industry-first policy:

“We need jobs, not handouts. Let’s invest in petrochemicals, not regulation.”

Christian Heritage Candidate Mark Lamore

Emphasized accountability and faith:

“We’ve had 100 elections, but no change. Until we look seriously at governance, nothing improves.”

Rhinoceros Party Candidate Anthony Mitchell

Highlighted voter apathy:

“Not voting isn’t rebellion — it’s indifference. And it tells government you’re not paying attention.”

NDP Candidate Lo-Anne Chan

Pitched a people-first vision:

“We want to be seen and valued. The NDP will always fight for a government that cares for its people.”

What’s Next?

With election day set for April 28, candidates are entering the final leg of their campaigns. As the riding’s dynamics shift with redistribution, voters are eager to hear directly from those seeking to represent them.

Whether Gladu’s strategy of prioritizing new voters will resonate — or whether her absence at local forums will cost her — remains to be seen.

Ottawa says Beijing-linked disinformation effort tried to sway Chinese-Canadian voters — but hasn’t disrupted democracy

In the age of digital campaigns and global influence, Canada’s 2025 federal election has drawn more than domestic attention. Government officials confirmed this week that a Beijing-backed information operation on the social platform WeChat has attempted to shape perceptions about Liberal Leader Mark Carney, targeting Chinese-speaking communities in Canada.

The effort, officials say, involves one of WeChat’s most influential accounts, raising concerns about foreign interference — even as authorities emphasize that the election remains fair and undisturbed.

Operation Identified: WeChat News Account Linked to CCP

According to the federal Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) task force, the operation was traced to Youli-Youmian, WeChat’s top news account. This account is believed to be affiliated with China’s central political and legal affairs commission, which is under the control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

“This is a coordinated and inauthentic effort to influence perceptions,” said Laurie-Anne Kempton, assistant secretary to the cabinet for communications, at a Monday press briefing in Ottawa.

The operation included both positive and negative messaging — first presenting Carney as a strong, Trump-aligned figure, then later questioning his credentials and political standing.

Democratic Process Remains Secure, Say Officials

Despite the discovery, SITE officials were clear: Canada’s democratic integrity has not been compromised.

“This activity is not preventing Canadians from making up their own minds,” Kempton stated. “We’re confident this election remains free and fair.”

The SITE panel — composed of senior bureaucrats from national security and intelligence agencies — has not found evidence of a threat serious enough to jeopardize the election’s outcome.

Still, the attempt reflects a troubling pattern: foreign actors leveraging digital platforms to target diaspora communities and sway votes through tailored narratives.

High Reach, Subtle Influence

The campaign on WeChat generated between 85,000 and 130,000 interactions, with some posts estimated to have reached up to three million views. By comparison, typical posts from Chinese state media receive only a fraction of that engagement.

While much of the content painted Carney in a flattering light — even calling him a “tough guy” prime minister aligned with Trump — officials stressed that intent doesn’t neutralize concern.

“Whether promoting or undermining a candidate, foreign governments should not interfere with Canadian democratic processes,” said Vanessa Lloyd, deputy director of operations at the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS).

Warning Signs and Platform Response

Officials say the operation gained momentum shortly after Carney won the Liberal leadership on March 9, with activity peaking on March 10 and again following the election call on March 23. The Liberal campaign was officially notified the following weekend.

Canada’s SITE task force will now raise the matter directly with Tencent, WeChat’s parent company based in Beijing, urging them to address violations of disinformation and influence policy rules on the platform.

Not Their First Target

This isn’t the first time Youli-Youmian has appeared in intelligence briefings. The account has previously been linked to campaigns against:

• Michael Chong, a prominent Conservative and vocal China critic
• Chrystia Freeland, former Liberal finance minister and leadership candidate

The Chinese government, experts say, is often party-agnostic, preferring instead to promote narratives that align with its global interests — regardless of Canadian political affiliations.

“China, Russia, and Iran are increasingly experimenting with AI, deepfakes, and coordinated digital campaigns,” said Bridget Walshe, associate head of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security.

What It Means for Voters

While the operation is limited to one platform, the broader implications are clear: foreign digital interference is real, evolving, and increasingly sophisticated.

SITE’s weekly briefings now aim to keep the public informed, helping voters distinguish between authentic information and manipulation efforts, especially in multicultural communities where platform-specific influence is most effective.

“It’s vital Canadians stay aware and cautious,” officials warned. “Your vote is your voice — don’t let anyone else speak for you.”