By Canadian Press

Tory leader says German politician who met with MPs holds ‘vile’ and ‘racist’ views

Feb 24, 2023 | 11:43 AM

OTTAWA — Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is denouncing a German politician after several Tory MPs were criticized for meeting with her while she was in Canada this week.

Conservative MPs Dean Allison, Colin Carrie and Leslyn Lewis were photographed having dinner with Christine Anderson, a member of the European Parliament.

She represents the Alternative for Germany party, a right-wing populist party that opposes immigration and was put under surveillance as a suspected extremist group by Germany’s intelligence agency in 2021.

The chair of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network and at least two Canadian Jewish organizations expressed concern about the MPs having dinner with Anderson.

In a written statement responding to the concerns today Poilievre says Anderson’s views are “vile” and that her “racist, hateful views are not welcome here.”

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The three MPs say in their own statement that they were not aware of her views.

The Centre for Israeli and Jewish Affairs says it appreciates Poilievres clear rejection of Anderson’s views but says MPs must do more research before agreeing to such meetings.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 24, 2023.

The Canadian Press