COLUMN: On Parliament Hill – Imitation – The greatest form of flattery.

It is said that imitation is the greatest form of flattery. When someone mimics or copies another person, it can be viewed as a compliment or a form of respect. Therefore, the Ways and Means motion presented by the Liberal government can be understood as a form of political flattery.

Conservatives believe in our proposed ideas and are committed to seeing them implemented. As Mr. Poilievre made clear in a recent press conference, speaking directly to Mr. Carney, we want you to steal our ideas.

For years, and in our most recent platform, we have consistently advocated for axing the carbon tax, removing the GST from new homes, and lowering income taxes for hardworking Canadians. As I reflect on the many conversations I had at the doors with constituents during our most recent federal election, these policies were part of our messaging of hope that set a path and plan that resonated deeply with Canadians.

Conservatives understand that we must reward hard work and restore common-sense policies that put taxpayers first. We know that a dollar in the hands of a Canadian is worth more than a dollar in the hands of a politician.

Had we been given the privilege of enacting our platform, our goal would have been to save Canadians up to $3,000 per year in mortgage payments by cutting the GST on new homes up to $1.3 million, paired with other municipal incentives to reduce development charges. In contrast, the current Liberal initiative being proposed only offers first-time buyers—not all home buyers—up to a $50,000 rebate, falling short of our proposed rebate of $65,000.

Furthermore, Conservatives would have axed the carbon tax in its entirety, not just the consumer carbon tax. Notably, the recent speech from the throne did not mention the industrial carbon tax. During the election, Prime Minister Carney defended the need for this industrial tax, ignoring that added overhead costs inevitably get passed down to consumers, meaning you and me. Meanwhile, the Liberal government has promised a replacement for the consumer carbon tax, which has yet to be revealed.

Finally, Conservatives would have reduced the lowest personal income tax rate, saving dual-income families up to $1,800 annually. In contrast, the current Liberal proposal is minimal—barely enough to cover the cost of a cup of coffee each week. With savings of less than $400 annually for individuals, it falls far short of what Canadians need to keep up with rising costs of food, rent, and transportation.

While the current actions already tabled by the Liberal government are only a modest form of what Conservatives advocated, they are still tax cuts. And as the party of the taxpayer, we will vote for tax cuts, as often as possible.

If the new government chooses to borrow our policies, we’ll gladly take it as a form of flattery—and as motivation to keep developing even better ones.

I will continue to fight for your paycheques, your homes, and your families because that’s precisely what you elected me to do.