Fact Check: - Pierre Poilievre voted against raising the minimum wage - TRUE - Pierre Poilievre voted against the First Home Savings Account program - TRUE - Pierre Poilievre voted against $10 a day childcare - TRUE - Pierre Poilievre voted against the children’s food programs at school - TRUE - Pierre Poilievre voted against the child benefit - TRUE - Pierre Poilievre voted against dental care for kids - TRUE - Pierre Poilievre voted against Covid relief - TRUE - Pierre Poilievre voted against middle class tax cuts - TRUE - Pierre Poilievre voted against the Old Age Security Supplement - TRUE - Pierre Poilievre voted against the Guaranteed Income Supplement - TRUE - Pierre Poilievre voted to ban abortions - TRUE - Pierre Poilievre voted AGAINST housing initiatives - Poilievre voted against initiatives to make housing affordable and address Canada’s housing crisis in 2006, 2009, 2010, 2013, and 2014 when Conservatives were in power; and again in 2018 and 2019 as a member of the official opposition. - Pierre Poilievre voted to raise the retirement age - TRUE - Pierre Poilievre voted for scabs - TRUE - Pierre Poilievre voted against the environment nearly 400 times - TRUE - Pierre Poilievre refused security clearance - TRUE - Pierre Poilievre voted against same-sex marriage (2005) - TRUE - Pierre Poilievre voted to cancel school lunch programs for children experiencing poverty - TRUE - Pierre Poilievre voted for Bill C377 - an attack on unions - demanding access to the private banking info of union leaders - Pierre Poilievre vowed to "wield the NOTWITHSTANDING CLAUSE " thereby taking our charter rights away - TRUE - Pierre Poilievre publicly stated that he would not support Pharmacare and Dentacare (at least twice) - TRUE - Pierre Poilievre supplied coffee and donuts to the Trucker Convoy who were funded by MAGA and Russia - TRUE - Pierre Poilievre scapegoated Trudeau for causing inflation, while inflation was global and Canada had one of the lowest rates in the world - TRUE - Pierre Poilievre scapegoated Trudeau for causing the interest rate hikes, while Trudeau has zero power or influence over the Bank of Canada - TRUE - Pierre Poilievre scapegoated Trudeau by falsely claiming that the air pollution fines are the main driver of inflation in Canada, even though he KNOWS that that is completely false and was proven so - TRUE - Pierre Poilievre publicly stated that he will defund the CBC - TRUE PLUS, Pierre Poilievre publicly stated - "Canada's Aboriginals need to learn the value of hard work more than they need compensation for abuse suffered in residential schools".

Pierre Poilievre's Voting Record: A Detailed Examination

Introduction

The claim regarding Pierre Poilievre's voting record includes a series of assertions that he voted against various social programs and initiatives, including raising the minimum wage, childcare support, and environmental protections. This article seeks to analyze these claims critically, examining the evidence and context surrounding Poilievre's voting history without reaching a definitive conclusion.

What We Know

1. Minimum Wage and Social Programs: Poilievre has a documented history of voting against initiatives aimed at raising the minimum wage and supporting social welfare programs. For instance, he opposed the $10-a-day childcare initiative and various child benefit programs 24.

2. Housing Initiatives: Claims suggest that Poilievre voted against housing initiatives multiple times, including during his tenure as a Conservative MP from 2006 to 2019 46.

3. Health and Dental Care: He has also been noted for voting against dental care for children and publicly opposing Pharmacare 24.

4. Environmental Policies: Reports indicate that Poilievre has voted against environmental protections nearly 400 times, reflecting a consistent stance against regulatory measures aimed at addressing climate change 24.

5. Abortion and Other Social Issues: The claim that Poilievre voted to ban abortions and against same-sex marriage in 2005 is supported by historical voting records 4.

6. Economic Policies: He has been criticized for opposing COVID-19 relief measures and middle-class tax cuts, as well as for his stance on the Guaranteed Income Supplement 24.

7. Controversial Statements: Poilievre has made statements regarding Indigenous issues that have drawn criticism, particularly his remarks suggesting that Aboriginals need to learn the value of hard work 4.

8. Political Context: His voting record reflects a broader Conservative Party platform that often prioritizes fiscal conservatism over social welfare initiatives, which has been a point of contention among critics 26.

Analysis

The sources used to substantiate the claims about Pierre Poilievre's voting record vary in reliability and potential bias:

• Government Records: The official voting records from the House of Commons 3 are primary sources that provide factual data on Poilievre's votes. These records are generally considered reliable as they are maintained by the Canadian government.

• Fact-Checking Organizations: Sources like AFP 1 and The Canadian Press 4 provide context and fact-checking on claims circulating in media and social platforms. While these organizations strive for accuracy, they may have editorial biases that could influence their interpretations.

• Advocacy Groups: Articles from Greenpeace 2 and other advocacy organizations may present a biased perspective, focusing on negative aspects of Poilievre's record without offering a balanced view of his policies or the rationale behind his votes.

• Anonymous and Unverified Claims: Some claims, particularly those that are more sensational or lack direct evidence, should be treated with skepticism, especially if they come from sources that do not provide verifiable data 8.

The methodology behind assessing Poilievre's voting record involves examining both the frequency of votes against specific initiatives and the broader political context in which these votes occurred. Additional information that would enhance this analysis includes direct statements from Poilievre regarding his rationale for these votes and any changes in his positions over time.

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly True

The evidence indicates that Pierre Poilievre has consistently voted against a range of social programs and initiatives, including those aimed at raising the minimum wage, providing childcare support, and implementing environmental protections. His voting record, supported by official government records and corroborated by various sources, reflects a clear pattern of opposition to these initiatives.

However, it is essential to acknowledge that while the majority of claims about his voting history are substantiated, the context in which these votes occurred and the broader political landscape can complicate interpretations. For instance, Poilievre's votes align with the Conservative Party's fiscal policies, which prioritize budgetary restraint over social spending. This context may not always be fully captured in simplified claims about his record.

Moreover, the evidence is not without limitations. Some sources may exhibit bias, and there are instances where claims lack comprehensive context or nuance. Therefore, while the assertion that Poilievre has voted against significant social initiatives is mostly true, it is crucial for readers to consider the broader implications and motivations behind these votes.

As always, readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and seek out multiple perspectives to form a well-rounded understanding of political figures and their actions.

Sources

1. Canadian Conservative leader's voting record misrepresented. AFP
2. Pierre Poilievre's Voting Record and the Politics of Exclusion. Greenpeace
3. Votes - Pierre Poilievre - House of Commons of Canada. House of Commons
4. Adding context to online claims about Poilievre's voting record and actions. The Canadian Press
5. MP Pierre Poilievre - Voting Records - Campaign Life Coalition. Campaign Life Coalition
6. What to Expect from Pierre Poilievre: A Look at His 20-Year Track Record in Canadian Politics. BS Explained
7. RGBAtlantica: "Pierre Poilievre voted against: Raising minimum wage..." Bsky
8. Breaking Down Anonymous Claims About Pierre Poilievre. BS Explained