Two Catholics, Two Visions for Canada/Deux catholiques, deux visions du Canada
An english translation of Isaac's article from Presence today.
Collage by Sabrina Di Matteo
Earlier today I released an article in French analyzing the two faiths of the big party leaders, and exclusively for paid subscribers I have translated it into English for you! Enjoy! Feel free to read the article on the website if you’re not a paid subscriber.
Plus tôt dans la journée, j'ai publié un article en français analysant les deux confessions des chefs des grands partis. Je l'ai traduit en anglais, en exclusivité pour les abonnés payants ! Bonne lecture ! N’hésitez pas à lire l’article sur le site si vous êtes francophone !
Guided by the same faith, Pierre Poilievre and Mark Carney offer contrasting visions. Neither explicitly cites their faith as a decisive factor in their politics, yet one employs evangelical morality to solidify his base, while the other uses Catholic ethics to shape his economic views.
In 2023, Pierre Poilievre published an advertisement in an Ottawa newspaper for Easter. The ad showed his face next to an image of the three crosses on Golgotha, the site of Jesus's crucifixion. In large letters, the ad proclaimed: "He is risen!"
Pierre Poilievre has long courted Canada's Christian vote, although he is not personally practising, according to the book "Pierre Poilievre: A Political Life." Raised Catholic, he stopped attending mass shortly after his political career began.
The day Mark Carney called the election, a journalist asked him: "Mr. Carney, you are a practising Catholic, you went to church before your meeting with the Governor General this morning... Do you support a woman's right to choose?"
Carney responded discreetly: "I wouldn't have drawn attention to the fact that I went to church, but thanks for pointing it out."
Nevertheless, his Catholic faith influences many aspects of his life.
However, it would be inaccurate to suggest that the Christian values from Poilievre’s upbringing do not influence his political opinions. Having spent his entire adult life in Parliament, his voting record clearly reflects values instilled by his mother, who took him to anti-abortion demonstrations in Calgary and Reform Party rallies during his youth. His father came out as gay before their divorce, which also influences his political journey. In 2005, Poilievre voted against the legalization of same-sex marriage. He openly opposes medical assistance in dying (MAID) and advocates for a libertarian economy based on tax reduction. However, he does not consistently align with traditional Christian values, refusing notably to reopen the abortion debate or explicitly oppose LGBTQ+ rights, having apparently shifted from his initial stance in 2005. Despite this, his positions generally align more closely with evangelical concerns than with Catholic doctrine.
Carney's religious influences are easier to identify through his public engagements and writings. In his book, "Value(s): Building a Better World For All," Carney emphasizes that global markets must benefit humanity, not just investors. During the Liberal leadership debates, he declared markets should serve "people, not profits," a perspective influenced by a meeting with Pope Francis, who advocates "humanizing the economy."
Conversely, Carney usually avoids engaging openly in sensitive cultural debates. After the French debate, when asked by Rebel News about the number of genders, a visibly uncomfortable Carney replied: "If we're talking strictly about sex, two." He addresses sensitive subjects only when necessary, except to affirm his unwavering support for women's right to choose.
The issue of transgender rights, although highly contentious, received little attention during the election campaign. Before the elections, when asked his opinion on Donald Trump’s ban on transgender athletes, Poilievre simply replied: "I only know two genders." This was not directly answering the question posed but seemed to signal his stance to supporters. He has not revisited this topic publicly since. Earlier, in 2024, he also expressed discomfort regarding transgender women's access to women's restrooms. These carefully measured statements aim to reassure his conservative electorate while avoiding major controversy. Carney, meanwhile, has never publicly addressed transgender or LGBTQ+ rights, except to affirm his support for existing Canadian law.
Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Poilievre takes a clearly pro-Israel stance, minimizing humanitarian concerns for Palestinians and holding Hamas responsible for their suffering. His position clearly aligns with many North American evangelicals.
Carney, meanwhile, proposes an arms embargo, supports a two-state solution, and emphasizes respect for international law. Although these positions are not entirely satisfactory to pro-Palestinian advocates, they align more closely with the official Liberal Party stance.
Despite apparent similarities and common Catholic roots, Carney and Poilievre differ significantly on social issues while sharing certain views on fiscal responsibility. Carney remains more openly faithful to Catholicism in public life, whereas Poilievre, though distant from active religious practice, retains the influence of his religious heritage in his political stances. Neither frequently discusses their faith publicly nor cites it as the primary reason for their views. Despite their similar backgrounds, these two leaders offer radically different visions for Canada’s future, even though they may initially appear remarkably alike.