In a series of letters published on January 4, 2026, readers of Postmedia News voiced strong opinions on political media coverage, parliamentary conduct, and the future of Canada's Conservative Party under Pierre Poilievre.
Allegations of Systemic Media Bias
One letter from L.B. Burman of Scarborough took direct aim at perceived unfairness in political journalism. The writer challenged negative reviews of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, suggesting many commentators do not closely watch proceedings in the House of Commons.
The reader described a pattern where a "calm, focused opposition" poses questions that the governing Liberals "don't like or want to answer." According to the letter, the government's response is to immediately switch to attack mode, deflect to other issues, raise their voices, and show contempt. The writer noted that when Poilievre refuses to react to this "vitriol," it only seems to infuriate the government side more.
Specific Liberal figures were called out for their demeanour. The letter singled out Mark Carney, stating he is "one of the worst" because he is "not used to being questioned." Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon was also criticized for taking "belligerence to a new level."
The core demand of the letter was for left-leaning media outlets to be pressed for recent examples to justify their critical coverage, asking pointedly: "Is it too much to ask for balanced and truthful reporting?" The writer concluded that while certain media will never provide fair coverage, Poilievre effectively moves forward regardless as Opposition Leader.
Doubts on Political Change and Leadership
Other letters expressed skepticism about the potential for a change in government and offered harsh critiques of Poilievre's leadership.
B. Taylor from London, Ontario, wrote under the header "Government Lies," expressing a pessimistic belief that Poilievre will never become prime minister. The writer claimed it is "very apparent" that Canadians prefer a government that habitually lies, ignores constituents, and embraces economic suppression programs, sarcastically questioning who would want "transparency and honesty." The letter added that Liberal arrogance persisted after the transition from Justin Trudeau to Mark Carney and would eventually catch up to them.
A more scathing assessment came from Bob Reid, who identified as a "centralist conservative." Reid stated they had grown away from the party's far-right wing, which they accused of offering "little to nothing that would build and strengthen Canada."
The letter launched a personal critique at Poilievre, noting he has "never had a real job in his life" and is "so far off base" despite claiming to speak for working people. Reid argued Poilievre "could never be prime minister," drawing a comparison to U.S. MAGA Republicans and criticizing his "permanent impish smirk." The writer concluded that if Poilievre is the best the Conservatives have to offer, "then Canada is in deep trouble."
Editorial Pushback and Context
The publication appended brief editorial notes to two of the letters, providing counterpoints to the readers' views.
In response to L.B. Burman's letter on media bias, an editor's note stated: "(Certain media will never give Poilievre fair and honest coverage. But instead of complaining about it, he moves forward as an effective Opposition leader)."
Reacting to Bob Reid's harsh critique, the editorial pushback was more direct: "(We disagree with this assessment – Poilievre offered common sense solutions to many of the challenges Canada is facing)."
The collection of letters presents a snapshot of the heated political discourse in early 2026, highlighting deep divisions over media objectivity, the conduct of Parliament, and the appeal of the official opposition leader.
