Conservative Leader Targets Insider Profiteering in Politics
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is vowing to overhaul the Conflict of Interest Act if he wins the prime minister’s chair, promising to slam shut what he dubs the “Carney Loophole.” His plan? Force party leadership hopefuls to spill their financial secrets to the ethics commissioner within 30 days of candidacy—and make those details public within 60.
But that’s not all. Poilievre wants future prime ministers and their cabinet ministers to offload any assets that could spark conflicts of interest. “No more politicians padding their pockets with public power,” he declared, pitching the move as a safeguard against self-serving governance.
In a fiery social media video, Poilievre takes aim at Liberal leadership contender Mark Carney, the ex-Bank of Canada governor whose name graces the loophole. Over a looming photo of Carney, Poilievre asks: “What if he’s sitting on millions that clash with your needs? What if he’s cashing in on insider info while you foot the bill? Then he’s not your champion—he’s your adversary.”
Carney, not yet an elected official, isn’t required to bare his financial soul to the ethics commissioner. His campaign stayed mum when pressed for a response.
Poilievre’s set to double down on this pledge at a Toronto event today, where he’s expected to rally support for his transparency crusade.