By Azka Zia, Andres Machalski, and the MIREMS team of media analysts
In the “Ethnic Echoes” series, we delve into the portrayal of political entities and contemporary issues in mainstream and ethnic media, highlighting their distinct coverage and priorities. While ethnic media primarily focus on community-relevant stories, mainstream media often take a more pronounced stance. This contrast becomes particularly evident in the portrayal of Pierre Poilievre, a key political figure. Mainstream media unabashedly critique his populist rhetoric. Ethnic media, however, maintain a more neutral tone, encapsulating the intricate complexities that characterize our diverse media ecosystem.
Pierre Poilievre, leader of the federal Conservative Party, is a dynamic and ambitious politician driven by a singular goal: to assume a position of governance. He is often portrayed as a populist, someone who champions the interests of the common people while challenging the power of the elites. His rhetoric, highlighting disparities between the working class and the wealthy, has attracted criticism from numerous media outlets, including Reuters, the Hill Times, BBC, Al Jazeera, Bloomberg, VOA, and others. In 2022, The Washington Post accused him of indulging in “grievance politics,” while Al-Jazeera's Andrew Mitrovica branded him a “populist charlatan.”
In contrast, the Canadian ethnic media maintain a more neutral stance, focusing on Poilievre’s community engagements and speeches rather than labelling him. Representing a diverse 23% immigrant population of Canada, this media community might eventually adopt mainstream opinions about him. Korean All TV highlights a poll indicating that only 20% of Canadians believe Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party should be re-elected, with 81% seeking government change. To maintain his polling popularity, Poilievre must engage actively with Canada's ethnic communities. Experiencing media alienation, as he did with mainstream outlets, could damage his reputation in these communities.
Mainstream media are increasingly apprehensive about the Conservative leader's strategy in addressing Canada's socioeconomic challenges. Recently, Althia Raj of The Toronto Star criticized the leader for his “fake filibuster” tactic — blocking the Liberal budget until his demands were met. Raj labelled the Conservatives as “obstructionist,” spotlighting their leader's likening of tax-paying to having “a gun to the head” and portrayal of state benefits as oppressive. Raj continued by criticizing Poilievre's remarks, stating that he accused the “woke estate" of wielding excessive influence and blamed Trudeau for what he claimed was the erosion of working-class values. She pointed out that Poilievre also made unsubstantiated claims about Trudeau's vanity by suggesting that the prime minister’s childhood swimming photo was included in the new Canadian passport as a personal indulgence.
In contrast, ethnic media outlets, including OMNI News Filipino Edition, Fairchild Radio FM 96.1, OMNI News: Punjabi Edition, Fairchild Radio FM 94.7 Cantonese, and OMNI 2 TV Mandarin, reported only on the Conservatives' plan to block the budget. These media outlets operate more cautiously, avoiding labels or negative portrayals of the leader — unlike the outspoken criticism from mainstream media. However, over time, it is likely that the ethnic media will increasingly align with broader media views.
Mainstream media have criticized Poilievre for allegedly embracing populism and widening divisions. The National Observer's March 2023 article “Pierre Poilievre's know-nothing populism is a dangerous delusion” accused him of deepening party rifts and ignoring expert advice on financial markets, the economy, and public safety. The CBC and Toronto Star highlighted his call to end “unscientific” COVID vaccine mandates, a stance rebuffed by health officials and widely criticized. The Globe and Mail charged him with orchestrating “one of the most dishonest, contemptible campaigns ever seen in Canada.”
He has been confrontational with mainstream media, referring to a Global News journalist as a “so-called reporter” and a correspondent as a “liberal heckler.” He accused former special rapporteur David Johnston of having a “fake job” and blamed Trudeau for the rise in B.C. drug overdose deaths, reported The National Post. Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett has reproached the Conservatives for neglecting evidence-backed drug crisis solutions. Poilievre's combative style and personal attacks have thus shaped his negative mainstream media image.
“Trump playbook, continued,” warned Ottawa lobbyist Rick Anderson on Twitter. In February, The Toronto Star likened Poilievre to U.S. Congressman Jim Jordan for his contemptuous attacks during hearings, naming Trudeau as his scapegoat for all societal issues.
Ethnic media have been respectfully covering Poilievre's public addresses on community-specific issues, mirroring his efforts to engage with various ethnic communities. Punjabi channel PTC North America highlighted his appeal to halt deportations of international students accused of legal infractions and his call for their permanent residence eligibility. OMNI News: Punjabi Edition, PTC North America, and OMNI News Filipino Edition reported on his visit to a student protest and advocacy for more thorough verification of college offer letters for student visa applications.
Recently, during a visit to a Hindu temple in Brampton, Poilievre acknowledged shared Conservative values of faith, family, and freedom among Canadian Hindus. In a Vancouver roundtable with ethnic media representatives, he criticized Trudeau's policies, especially the rising debt and carbon tax, as reported by Talent Vision TV in Mandarin. Poilievre’s proposal for a nationwide standards system allowing doctors and nurses to work anywhere in Canada received praise from Punjabi radio host Yudhvir Jaswal on South Asian Pulse Prime Time. Conversely, a Spanish-language radio program onToronto’s CHIN 91.9 FM accused Poilievre of exploiting a $200,000 donation by a Chinese organization to the Trudeau Foundation.
Poilievre's public engagement is coupled with escalating criticism of Trudeau, portraying him as a privileged individual disconnected from everyday Canadians. The Conservative leader rallies supporters against the super-rich and bankers, accusing them of facilitating wealth transfer from the less affluent to the wealthy. He opposes the World Economic Forum (WEF), with some party members propagating conspiracy theories about the WEF, alleging a global scheme to reshape society, eradicate private property, and establish an authoritarian global government, as reported by the CBC. Poilievre's escalating criticism of Trudeau is becoming more pronounced with time.
Despite his anti-elite discourse, Poilievre has repeatedly supported the status quo, and some sectors of mainstream public opinion have raised questions about his genuine comprehension of ordinary Canadians' struggles, given what is seen as his privileged lifestyle. This contrast was underscored by NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh in an April tweet accusing Poilievre of being a “gatekeeper of the super-rich.”
Canada is moving relentlessly toward a new election cycle, and the dynamics of the relationship between these three major party leaders - Trudeau, Poilievre, and Singh - will increasingly capture the attention of our ethnic media influencers, forcing them to take sides in their analysis and abandon their neutral stance. Integration and citizenship promotion are part of the natural role of ethnic media as they cater largely to an immigrant population that places a high value on becoming Canadian. In future “Ethnic Echoes,” we will examine how personalities and policies of political figures play in the multilingual community opinion space.
As Poilievre navigates his political path, it becomes evident that his stance against elites as well as his confrontational approach have generated both support and criticism. It remains to be seen how his controversial strategies and the evolving media portrayals, particularly in the ethnic media, will influence his political trajectory and the perception of the public. As the Canadian political landscape continues to unfold, it is clear that Poilievre's actions and rhetoric, and the subsequent media response, will remain key points of interest and discussion.
In future contributions to this “Ethnic Echoes” series, we look forward to further examining the divergent reporting styles of mainstream and ethnic media. Our guiding hypothesis — that ethnic media will ultimately resonate with mainstream perspectives but require special attention because of the forms that resonance takes as it is mediated by specific community issues like homeland interference, as examined in our recent blogs https://www.mirems.com/from-disinformations-to-donations.html and https://www.mirems.com/canada-china-relations-where-do-we-go-from-here.html— will continue to be examined. For Poilievre to secure the backing of these communities, he must demonstrate that he values their issues and prioritizes their well-being. By actively listening to their concerns and showing genuine empathy, political figures can establish a strong connection and gain their support. This series will shine a light on the complexities of our diverse media landscape and the potential impact of this understanding on the future of political engagement. Genuine connection and representation in media reporting can drive significant shifts in public opinion and political outcomes.
In the “Ethnic Echoes” series, we delve into the portrayal of political entities and contemporary issues in mainstream and ethnic media, highlighting their distinct coverage and priorities. While ethnic media primarily focus on community-relevant stories, mainstream media often take a more pronounced stance. This contrast becomes particularly evident in the portrayal of Pierre Poilievre, a key political figure. Mainstream media unabashedly critique his populist rhetoric. Ethnic media, however, maintain a more neutral tone, encapsulating the intricate complexities that characterize our diverse media ecosystem.
Pierre Poilievre, leader of the federal Conservative Party, is a dynamic and ambitious politician driven by a singular goal: to assume a position of governance. He is often portrayed as a populist, someone who champions the interests of the common people while challenging the power of the elites. His rhetoric, highlighting disparities between the working class and the wealthy, has attracted criticism from numerous media outlets, including Reuters, the Hill Times, BBC, Al Jazeera, Bloomberg, VOA, and others. In 2022, The Washington Post accused him of indulging in “grievance politics,” while Al-Jazeera's Andrew Mitrovica branded him a “populist charlatan.”
In contrast, the Canadian ethnic media maintain a more neutral stance, focusing on Poilievre’s community engagements and speeches rather than labelling him. Representing a diverse 23% immigrant population of Canada, this media community might eventually adopt mainstream opinions about him. Korean All TV highlights a poll indicating that only 20% of Canadians believe Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party should be re-elected, with 81% seeking government change. To maintain his polling popularity, Poilievre must engage actively with Canada's ethnic communities. Experiencing media alienation, as he did with mainstream outlets, could damage his reputation in these communities.
Mainstream media are increasingly apprehensive about the Conservative leader's strategy in addressing Canada's socioeconomic challenges. Recently, Althia Raj of The Toronto Star criticized the leader for his “fake filibuster” tactic — blocking the Liberal budget until his demands were met. Raj labelled the Conservatives as “obstructionist,” spotlighting their leader's likening of tax-paying to having “a gun to the head” and portrayal of state benefits as oppressive. Raj continued by criticizing Poilievre's remarks, stating that he accused the “woke estate" of wielding excessive influence and blamed Trudeau for what he claimed was the erosion of working-class values. She pointed out that Poilievre also made unsubstantiated claims about Trudeau's vanity by suggesting that the prime minister’s childhood swimming photo was included in the new Canadian passport as a personal indulgence.
In contrast, ethnic media outlets, including OMNI News Filipino Edition, Fairchild Radio FM 96.1, OMNI News: Punjabi Edition, Fairchild Radio FM 94.7 Cantonese, and OMNI 2 TV Mandarin, reported only on the Conservatives' plan to block the budget. These media outlets operate more cautiously, avoiding labels or negative portrayals of the leader — unlike the outspoken criticism from mainstream media. However, over time, it is likely that the ethnic media will increasingly align with broader media views.
Mainstream media have criticized Poilievre for allegedly embracing populism and widening divisions. The National Observer's March 2023 article “Pierre Poilievre's know-nothing populism is a dangerous delusion” accused him of deepening party rifts and ignoring expert advice on financial markets, the economy, and public safety. The CBC and Toronto Star highlighted his call to end “unscientific” COVID vaccine mandates, a stance rebuffed by health officials and widely criticized. The Globe and Mail charged him with orchestrating “one of the most dishonest, contemptible campaigns ever seen in Canada.”
He has been confrontational with mainstream media, referring to a Global News journalist as a “so-called reporter” and a correspondent as a “liberal heckler.” He accused former special rapporteur David Johnston of having a “fake job” and blamed Trudeau for the rise in B.C. drug overdose deaths, reported The National Post. Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett has reproached the Conservatives for neglecting evidence-backed drug crisis solutions. Poilievre's combative style and personal attacks have thus shaped his negative mainstream media image.
“Trump playbook, continued,” warned Ottawa lobbyist Rick Anderson on Twitter. In February, The Toronto Star likened Poilievre to U.S. Congressman Jim Jordan for his contemptuous attacks during hearings, naming Trudeau as his scapegoat for all societal issues.
Ethnic media have been respectfully covering Poilievre's public addresses on community-specific issues, mirroring his efforts to engage with various ethnic communities. Punjabi channel PTC North America highlighted his appeal to halt deportations of international students accused of legal infractions and his call for their permanent residence eligibility. OMNI News: Punjabi Edition, PTC North America, and OMNI News Filipino Edition reported on his visit to a student protest and advocacy for more thorough verification of college offer letters for student visa applications.
Recently, during a visit to a Hindu temple in Brampton, Poilievre acknowledged shared Conservative values of faith, family, and freedom among Canadian Hindus. In a Vancouver roundtable with ethnic media representatives, he criticized Trudeau's policies, especially the rising debt and carbon tax, as reported by Talent Vision TV in Mandarin. Poilievre’s proposal for a nationwide standards system allowing doctors and nurses to work anywhere in Canada received praise from Punjabi radio host Yudhvir Jaswal on South Asian Pulse Prime Time. Conversely, a Spanish-language radio program onToronto’s CHIN 91.9 FM accused Poilievre of exploiting a $200,000 donation by a Chinese organization to the Trudeau Foundation.
Poilievre's public engagement is coupled with escalating criticism of Trudeau, portraying him as a privileged individual disconnected from everyday Canadians. The Conservative leader rallies supporters against the super-rich and bankers, accusing them of facilitating wealth transfer from the less affluent to the wealthy. He opposes the World Economic Forum (WEF), with some party members propagating conspiracy theories about the WEF, alleging a global scheme to reshape society, eradicate private property, and establish an authoritarian global government, as reported by the CBC. Poilievre's escalating criticism of Trudeau is becoming more pronounced with time.
Despite his anti-elite discourse, Poilievre has repeatedly supported the status quo, and some sectors of mainstream public opinion have raised questions about his genuine comprehension of ordinary Canadians' struggles, given what is seen as his privileged lifestyle. This contrast was underscored by NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh in an April tweet accusing Poilievre of being a “gatekeeper of the super-rich.”
Canada is moving relentlessly toward a new election cycle, and the dynamics of the relationship between these three major party leaders - Trudeau, Poilievre, and Singh - will increasingly capture the attention of our ethnic media influencers, forcing them to take sides in their analysis and abandon their neutral stance. Integration and citizenship promotion are part of the natural role of ethnic media as they cater largely to an immigrant population that places a high value on becoming Canadian. In future “Ethnic Echoes,” we will examine how personalities and policies of political figures play in the multilingual community opinion space.
As Poilievre navigates his political path, it becomes evident that his stance against elites as well as his confrontational approach have generated both support and criticism. It remains to be seen how his controversial strategies and the evolving media portrayals, particularly in the ethnic media, will influence his political trajectory and the perception of the public. As the Canadian political landscape continues to unfold, it is clear that Poilievre's actions and rhetoric, and the subsequent media response, will remain key points of interest and discussion.
In future contributions to this “Ethnic Echoes” series, we look forward to further examining the divergent reporting styles of mainstream and ethnic media. Our guiding hypothesis — that ethnic media will ultimately resonate with mainstream perspectives but require special attention because of the forms that resonance takes as it is mediated by specific community issues like homeland interference, as examined in our recent blogs https://www.mirems.com/from-disinformations-to-donations.html and https://www.mirems.com/canada-china-relations-where-do-we-go-from-here.html— will continue to be examined. For Poilievre to secure the backing of these communities, he must demonstrate that he values their issues and prioritizes their well-being. By actively listening to their concerns and showing genuine empathy, political figures can establish a strong connection and gain their support. This series will shine a light on the complexities of our diverse media landscape and the potential impact of this understanding on the future of political engagement. Genuine connection and representation in media reporting can drive significant shifts in public opinion and political outcomes.