The “Restore the North” campus tour made its latest stop at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) on October 17. Conservative Members of Parliament (MPs) Jamil Jivani and Ned Kuruc, along with guest MP Aaron Gunn, engaged with students to discuss the future of Canadian politics.
Event Overview
This event was organized with the support of the TMU Conservative Campus Club and took place in a library lecture hall. The audience was predominantly male and turnout was low. Attendees received “Restore the North” baseball caps at entry, which several wore during the discussion.
Opening Remarks
The session began with tributes to influential right-wing figures, including Jordan Peterson and the late Charlie Kirk. Kirk, who was known for his controversial views, was tragically killed during his own campus tour on September 10. Jivani noted, “Many universities reached out to us as they process the assassination of Charlie Kirk… he obviously left a legacy.”
Discussion Points
The MPs shared personal interpretations of “Restore the North.” Kuruc articulated that restoring Canada involves returning to foundational principles. Attendees echoed this sentiment, focusing on issues like affordability, Canadian identity, economic reform, and immigration policy.
- Affordability
- Canadian Identity
- Economic Issues
- Immigration Reform
Many voiced a desire for Canada to adopt strategies akin to those of the Trump administration, emphasizing that good ideas should not be dismissed simply due to their origin. Topics raised led to a consensus among speakers, highlighting a shared ideology with the hosting MPs.
Student Perspectives
Edmund Elbert, vice president of the TMU Campus Conservative Club, expressed optimism about the rising acceptance of conservative values among the youth. He stated, “It’s different to hold these values than to express them collectively in a social setting.”
Robin Sehdev, president of the Toronto Metropolitan Debate Union, was not present but commented on the importance of cautious public discourse. He emphasized that constructive debates require good faith from participants and suggested that proper mediation and fact-checking be applied.
The Need for Constructive Dialogue
Sehdev cautioned against sensationalism in debates, stressing the need for formats that foster constructive dialogue rather than provoke controversy. While no future “Restore the North” events have been scheduled, their impact on Canadian political discourse remains to be seen.
As politics increasingly engages with public sentiment, the balance between free speech and productive conversation becomes crucial. Ensuring respectful exchanges can contribute to meaningful discussions, rather than just becoming spectacles.
