Conservative MPs utilized parliamentary order paper questions to seek details about federal government spending on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This information gathering began in March 2024 and continued into November 2024, focusing on government contracts, military spending, and research programs related to DEI.
Party leader Pierre Poilievre's platform includes ending "woke ideology" in the public service and research funding. He intends to replace "woke culture" in the military with a "warrior culture." While his statements against DEI are strongly worded, concrete implementation plans are lacking.
Multiple MPs submitted questions, with some receiving responses while others did not due to parliamentary prorogation and the subsequent election call. The questions focused on vendors contracted for DEI services and the scope of DEI implementation within the government.
The article provides context on the political landscape surrounding DEI, noting criticism of DEI policies as divisive and prioritizing race or gender over merit. The timing of the information requests occurred while the Conservatives were developing their election platform.
The Conservative Party did not respond to requests for comment on why they sought this information. The article also includes comments from Jamil Jivani, a Conservative candidate, who advocates for DEI program reform and increased transparency in funding.