DEI -is- a merit based principle. DEI means that more candidates are brought forward to be assessed for their merits, before being rejected for their skin, their handicap, their gender, their sexual orientation, etc. It brings all candidates to the same line in the hiring process as the straight white man (like Poilievre) who would otherwise be put first. The "comfortable" candidate who will "fit in" (regardless of their qualifications), especially the ones with all the same "connections".
DEI does not "force" anybody to be hired, it merely keeps them in the competition. Anti-DEI rhetoric is inconsistent with merit-based principles, period. If you're scared of DEI, then you're scared of competition and want to remain safe in your privilege.
