A technical problem led to the vote not being recorded.
After a Conservative Motion to end the Trudeau government’s draconian and vindictive travel restrictions was voted down, some people began to say that Conservative front-runner Pierre Poilievre abstained from the vote.
His vote was not recorded, and this led to claims and criticism toward Poilievre online that his opposition to mandates and restrictions was just a political ploy.
However, Poilievre did in fact vote in favour of the Motion, meaning he voted to end Trudeau’s vindictive travel restrictions.
MPs are able to vote from remote locations, meaning those who are travelling, campaigning, or otherwise away from Ottawa can still vote.
On Twitter, Poilievre said a technical issue prevented his vote from being recorded:
— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) May 31, 2022
Poilievre also released a video detailing the situation:
The discrepancy can be noted elsewhere as well.
On Open Parliament, 112 votes in favour of the Motion are recorded, vs 201 against.
However, the official account for updates on what takes place in the House of Commons lists 117 votes in favour of the Motion, and 202 against:
Vote result: the @CPC_HQ #OppositionMotion (Rules and service levels for travel) was defeated. #cdnpoli
Yeas: 117 ✅
Nays: 202❌
Vote result: the @CPC_HQ #OppositionMotion (Rules and service levels for travel) was defeated. #cdnpoli
Yeas: 117 ✅
Nays: 202❌ pic.twitter.com/IJdhHDrNet— In the Chamber (@HoCChamber) May 30, 2022
Clearly, the record will soon be updated making it clear that Poilievre voted for the motion.
The importance of common sense
The initial reaction to claims that Poilievre didn’t vote for the motion shows the need for some common sense.
Pierre Poilievre has repeatedly and publicly stated his opposition to the travel restrictions and the Trudeau government mandates.
Supporting pro-freedom Canadians has been a big part of Poilievre’s campaign.
The MP who put forth the Motion to end Trudeau’s travel restrictions is Melissa Lantsman, who has been speaking out quite strongly and effectively against the restrictions.
Melissa Lantsman has endorsed Poilievre.
I’m with Pierre. ✅
After 7 consecutive election wins right here in Ontario. No question — Pierre is the answer to a strong & united Conservative Party.
Sign up to help replace Trudeau: https://t.co/IUrhAvQPx0 https://t.co/emI4FopaCR
— Melissa Lantsman (@MelissaLantsman) February 6, 2022
With all of this in mind, it would have made zero sense for Poilievre not to vote on the motion, especially as he voted remotely on other legislation previously that same day.
Additionally, Poilievre’s campaign has been very well-run, and it would have been political malpractice for his team to have had him not vote.
So, the most logical and common sense explanation is the one that happens to be true: Poilievre voted remotely and it wasn’t recorded.
That didn’t stop Patrick Brown from trying to score points against Poilievre anyway:
Yesterday, in the House of Commons, Pierre Poilievre chose NOT to support a motion to end COVID travel restrictions. #cdnpoli #cpcldr pic.twitter.com/VORQP6PXav
— Patrick Brown (@patrickbrownont) May 31, 2022
When the record is updated, will the Brown campaign remove their attack and retract their claim?
Unlikely, since it increasingly appears that the Brown campaign, the Charest campaign, the establishment press, and the Trudeau government are all seeking to stop Poilievre from winning the CPC leadership.
With such a concerted effort to manipulate the CPC leadership race being waged by the failed establishment, freedom-loving Canadians need to be vigilant and need to use common sense and logic to see through deceptive attacks.
Share this article to help ensure the truth is known far and wide.
Spencer Fernando
Photo – YouTube