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.
