Protestor Sarah Worthman said the group believes Poilievre is undemocratic and a threat to Canadian human rightsPublished Apr 01, 2025 • 2 minute readSome of the protestors awaiting Pierre Poilievre arrival at the Petty Harbour fishermen’s co-op during his campaign stop in St. John’s on April 1, 2025. The group was there because they believe Poilievre is leading us in the same direction as the U.S. politically. Cameron Kilfoy/The Telegram Photo by Cameron Kilfoy /Cameron Kilfoy/The TelegramAs Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre arrived at the Petty Harbour fishermen’s co-op on April 1, he wasn’t greeted by smiles and handshakes.As his vehicle made its way down to the dock, about a dozen protestors chanted “Don’t vote Pierre” and “No space for hate.”Sarah Worthman, spokesperson for the protest, said they were there to stand up to Poilievre as she and the others gathered believe he is undemocratic and a threat to Canadian human rights.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“We’re standing up for trans people, standing up for the 2SLGBTQ+ community,” said Worthman.“We’re standing up for seniors who are at risk of their old age security being restricted, as he has in the past. We’re standing up for worker rights. We’re standing up for union rights.”Worthman said they also believe Poilievre is leading Canada in the same direction as the U.S. politically.“That’s where he’s taking us,” she added. Sarah Worthman holds her protest sign high and proud as Leader of the Consverative Party of Canada, Pierre Poilievre, arrives at the Petty Harbour fishermen’s co-op on April 1 during a campaign stop in the province. Photo by Cameron Kilfoy /Cameron Kilfoy/The TelegramRemoved from the dockWorthman said she identifies as queer, one of the groups she was standing up for. Worthman said she and the rest of the protestors arrived at the Petty Harbour dock as early as 9:30 a.m.She said the first thing they did was approach the fishermen to ensure they knew they weren’t protesting them. Worthman added that she comes from a long line of fishermen who are connected to Petty Harbour and didn’t want to ruffle their feathers.However, Worthman said it wasn’t long before security noticed them and their protest signs and removed them from the dock.Article contentWorthman said the only reason she was given for being removed was the dock was private property.“I’m not a legal expert, but the wharf is public property, but the parking lot is not,” said Worthman.Recommended from Editorial ‘I’m scared for my son’s life’: Rally held outside HMP protesting prison conditions ‘Standing up for the people who want to live in rural Newfoundland’: Residents protesting wind energy projects feel they are not being heard Human rights should be election issueWorthman said the group hoped to send a message with their protest, saying that she believes human rights is an election issue that’s not being talked about enough.“Anytime anyone brings it up to (Pierre) Poilievre, he dodges the question, but he said on the record that he wants to restrict the rights of trans people and access to hormone therapy,” said Worthman.Worthman cited additional concerns with Poilievre, including his repeal of marriage equality and saying that racism was invented by wokeness. Worthman said they also hoped to encourage people to vote with their values and heart in mind. “Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, we love each other. We care about each other, and if you care about marginalized Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, then don’t vote for Pierre Poilievre,” said Worthman.Article content
‘Don’t vote Pierre’ chant protestors during Poilievre’s visit to NL
