Pierre Poilievre says WestJet union should apologize for trying to ‘silence’ free speech
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said the union representing WestJet cabin crew should apologize for trying to silence free speech.
Poilievre used the public announcement system to give a 45-second speech on Sunday night on board a WestJet plane that was headed to Calgary from Quebec City after the Conservative party convention.
After videos of the speech circulated online, including being posted to Poilievre’s social media, CUPE Alberta’s local 4070 president said it was disappointing the airline allowed a politician to use the PA system and that cabin crew had no input in the decision.
It’s not everyday you get a speech like this on a plane. <a href=«https://twitter.com/PierrePoilievre?ref_src=» https:>@PierrePoilievre
on our flight to Calgary. pic.twitter.com/Ri0bSDgkD9
— Jennifer Elle (@jenniferelle_) <a href=«https://twitter.com/jenniferelle_/status/1701046789615534318?ref_src=» https:>September 11, 2023
The union wanted WestJet and Poilievre to apologize for putting the cabin crew in that situation.
Speaking in Vancouver on Thursday, Poilievre said the cabin crew asked him to speak multiple times on that flight, and the union should be the one apologizing.
“I think that the union should apologize for trying to silence freedom of speech. The crew invited me to give a speech and they did that multiple times,” Poilievre said.
“And I think it’s because people who work on airplanes, people who work in restaurants, people who work building things love my message.”
Following Poilievre’s remarks Thursday, a spokesman for the union insisted WestJet management directed cabin crew to provide access to the announcement system and give Poilievre a tour of the flight deck.
“As mentioned in our previous statement, this
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