Poilievres attack on me a symptom of larger problem

When nurses speak out, we do so based on evidence and on health and clinical knowledge.

- DORIS GRINSPUN

After Doris Grinspun, CEO of the RNAO, appeared on CBC News to make the case for keeping safe injection sites open, a spokesperson from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's office mocked her professional designations.

Our advocacy for healthy public policy is grounded on the lived experiences of those we care for and by our in-depth expertise on social determinants of health.

This is one element that makes nursing the most trusted profession, except apparently for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, a man who aspires to become prime minister. His office recently mocked the expertise of myself and others with "too many letters after their names." This strange behaviour reveals the divisive and belittling leadership we can expect from Poilievre and his team if given the opportunity.

There is a history to his lack of empathy and consistent undermining of scientific evidence and expertise. We are still reeling from extremist politicians who openly sabotaged vaccination efforts during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. As recently as October 2023, Poilievre and at least one of his colleagues pushed a private member's anti-vaccine mandate bill in Parliament to tie the hands of public health officers a bill the majority of MPs wisely agreed to drop.