At a campaign rally in Calgary, Conservative leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre said that he understands the desire for Western separatism in Alberta.

The rally happened last night, in which 7,000 or more Albertans reportedly RSVP’d to support the frontrunner, causing several traffic jams along the road.

During his speech, Poilievre singled out Justin Trudeau and his father Pierre for sewing division into the fabric of Canada, which has led to two separatist movements.

“Before Trudeau the First, there was no separatist movement in Quebec, and all of a sudden, it came alive,” Poilievre began. “Before Trudeau the Second, separatism was dead in Quebec and not even spoken of in Alberta, and now that he has been in power for seven years, we have two regions where there are separatist movements alive and well, unfortunately.”

“Well, listen,” he continued, responding to a cry from the crowd. “I understand why you feel that way. I understand the frustration of being a Western Canadian and feeling like your central government is attacking you. I get it.”

While many believe Poilievre is from Quebec due to his first and last name, it should be noted that he was born, raised, and attended university in Calgary, Alberta, apparently moving to Ontario to begin his political career after that.

Poilievre continued, “But I want to tell you something else. You have many friends right across this country that are on your side. I meet them every single day… The Energy East pipeline would have gone right through my riding, and two-thirds of my constituents were happy to support it right there in Ottawa. I want you to know that.”

Poilievre also doubled down on his support for truckers after being attacked by Conservative leadership lagger Jean Charest earlier this week.

“People haven’t felt so free in this country, have they,” Poilievre said. “Whether it’s the fourteen-year-old girl suffering depression after separation from her sport[s] and social activities for two long years; whether it’s the waitress who mortgaged her house to start a business only to have it locked down again and again until she couldn’t open it up anymore; whether it is the hard-working trucker who delivered the goods and services that we need —”

The rally erupted in applause at the mention of truckers and Poilievre’s clear respect for those in the profession.