Poilievre's office maintains tight control over what Conservative MPs say and do
CBC
After two years of Pierre Poilievre as their leader, many Conservative MPs say they are much less free now than they were before his arrival.
The man who promised during his leadership run to make Canada "the freest country in the world" maintains tight control over the actions of his caucus members.
Normally loquacious Conservatives close up like oysters and dare not speak without their leader's approval. MPs are watched by Conservative staffers both inside and outside Parliament. Elected representatives are publicly called to order for deviating from the party line.
Conservative MPs' words and actions are closely scrutinized by the leader's office. Partisanship is encouraged. Fraternizing with elected officials from other parties is a no-no.
Those who follow these rules are rewarded. Those who don't often have to suffer consequences.
"There are always multiple people in the penalty box, there is always someone in trouble," one caucus member said.
"You don't need to be told what to do. You watch the leader and understand what's expected from you," one Conservative source said.
"The leader comes first. Do not undercut him," said another.
Radio-Canada spoke with more than a dozen elected representatives, employees and members of the Conservative Party of Canada from three different provinces. The sources were granted anonymity so they could express themselves freely. All reported a tightening of caucus discipline under Poilievre's leadership.
"Since Pierre became leader, you can feel the difference," said a source in the Conservative leader's entourage. "MPs don't get too comfortable. They're careful."
But some in the Conservative ranks are beginning to chafe at the restrictions.
Some elected officials feel they come to caucus "to be told what to do and what to think" by the leader, one Conservative source said.
"Sometimes the leader listens to suggestions. But often, his mind is already made up. It's often a one-way conversation," another source added.
"It's not ideal, but it works," one source said. The Conservatives have a 20-point lead in several polls.
Brampton city council has approved a new bylaw that prohibits "nuisance demonstrations" outside places of worship in the municipality following a series of violent clashes earlier this month.
The fire chief in Dawson City, Yukon, is urging people to keep on top of cleaning their chimneys and woodstoves after a fire destroyed a home on Tuesday morning.
Alberta MP Randy Boissonnault has resigned from cabinet amid allegations about his business dealings and criticism of his shifting claims about his Indigenous ancestry.
A provincial byelection has been called for Lethbridge-West, a southern Alberta riding that has been without a representative since the summer.
Toronto police said an infant has died after being reported missing in a midtown neighbourhood on Wednesday.
Environment Canada issued a fog advisory for the London area and southwestern Ontario Wednesday morning as commuters travelled treacherous roads to their early destinations.
Jordan O'Brien-Tobin, the man who stabbed a 16-year-old to death at a TTC subway station in 2023, has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
Calgary Zoo officials confirmed on Wednesday that the recent death of a two-year-old gorilla last week was an accident resulting from human error.
Tens of thousands of people, primarily on Vancouver Island, were without power overnight after hurricane-force wind gusts from a "bomb cyclone" system blasted southwest British Columbia on Tuesday night and into Wednesday.
The lawyer representing six people who allege they were sexually abused by Tony Humby is calling for a public inquiry.
Oliver!, based on the Charles Dickens classic Oliver Twist, is coming to Sudbury's YES Theatre this Friday.