Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre arrived at Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday as debate continued over his recent comments about the RCMP and its leadership. The Canadian Press
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is facing growing criticism after calling the RCMP’s leadership “despicable” and accusing the force of protecting former prime minister Justin Trudeau. The comments, made last week on a YouTube podcast, sparked political tension within his party and drew sharp responses from opposition members and some Conservative insiders.
During the interview, Poilievre claimed the national police force “covered up” scandals linked to the Trudeau government. He also said, “Many of the scandals of the Trudeau era should have involved jail time. I mean, Trudeau broke the Criminal Code.”
He pointed to Trudeau’s 2016 vacation with the Aga Khan, a family friend whose foundation received federal funding, saying the RCMP failed to act. “If the RCMP had been doing its job, he would have been charged,” Poilievre said. The RCMP investigated the trip, as well as the SNC-Lavalin affair, but no charges were ever laid.
Clarifying His Remarks
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Poilievre tried to clarify his earlier comments. “That’s not what I said,” he insisted when asked if he thought Trudeau should be jailed. “In certain cases, I think there were scandals in the Liberal government that would be appropriately punished in that way.”
Last week, however, Poilievre had appeared more direct, saying Trudeau “violated section 121 of the Criminal Code” for accepting the expensive vacation. He even claimed to have “evidence” to support his statement.
The controversy has left Poilievre trying to balance his tough-on-corruption stance with concerns about tone and judgement.
Tension Inside the Conservative Caucus
Several Conservative MPs reportedly expressed discomfort with their leader’s remarks. Sources said the topic created “tension” inside the caucus meeting on Wednesday morning. Poilievre addressed the issue at the start of the meeting, repeating a written statement shared earlier in the week.
In that statement, Poilievre said his criticism was aimed specifically at former RCMP commissioner Brenda Lucki, not the current leadership. “My comments were directed to former RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki,” he wrote. “She has a lengthy record of scandals, deception, and political interference that benefitted the Liberal government.”
Lucki’s time as commissioner was marked by controversy — including her handling of the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting investigation and her involvement in discussions about the Emergencies Act during the 2022 convoy protests.
Still, some within the party remain uneasy. Radio-Canada reported that at least four Conservative MPs are questioning Poilievre’s leadership and considering how to vote in next January’s leadership review.
Mixed Reactions From Conservatives
Despite the internal friction, many MPs continue to defend Poilievre. Conservative MP Andrew Lawton said the controversy was exaggerated. “It’s really not the biggest priority for Canadians,” he said.
Greg McLean, another MP, said Poilievre raised a fair point about the RCMP’s investigations. “The RCMP needs to do their job,” McLean said, while adding that he still respects the force and its officers.
Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman reaffirmed that the Conservatives “have confidence in frontline police officers,” while sidestepping questions about current RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, who has since offered to meet Poilievre.
Criticism From Within the Party
Not all Conservatives are satisfied. Former Harper communications director Dimitri Soudas criticized Poilievre’s tone, calling it “reckless” and saying it reflects “a leadership approach rooted in grievance rather than governance.”
Despite the backlash, Poilievre remains defiant. He says his comments reflect legitimate frustration with government scandals and political interference in policing. But as the fallout continues, his handling of the controversy could test both his credibility and his party’s unity heading into the next election.
