Also read: Canada elections: A look at key candidates amid neck-and-neck race between Mark Carney, Pierre Poilievre
A veteran politician with a populist message
Pierre Poilievre, 45, is no newcomer to Canadian politics. First elected to Parliament at the age of 25, he has spent nearly two decades in Ottawa, earning a reputation as a combative debater and policy wonk. His political career includes serving as minister for democratic reform and employment during the Stephen Harper government.
Since becoming the Conservative Party leader in 2022, Poilievre has reinvigorated the party’s base with a message built around personal freedom, economic responsibility, and government accountability. His mantra of “freedom over control” has resonated with voters disillusioned by pandemic-era restrictions, inflation, and rising government intervention.
Champion of economic reform
Central to Poilievre’s platform is his promise to “make life affordable” again for ordinary Canadians. He has railed against what he describes as reckless government spending, vowing to rein in deficits, audit the Bank of Canada, and end what he calls the “inflation tax.” His economic message is tailored for working- and middle-class Canadians struggling with rising housing costs, taxes, and interest rates.
Poilievre also supports expanding resource development, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and promoting private-sector job creation. His criticism of carbon pricing and green energy mandates reflects a broader appeal to voters in oil-producing provinces and rural communities who feel sidelined by climate-focused policies.
Tough on Crime and Immigration
The Conservative leader has taken a firm stance on crime and border security, promising to increase support for law enforcement and crack down on organized crime. His immigration policy aims to ensure newcomers can integrate economically and socially, advocating for more stringent screening and expedited deportation for those entering illegally.
While critics argue that these policies risk marginalising vulnerable groups, Poilievre insists they are necessary to restore law and order and protect Canadian values.
The “Freedom” Candidate
Poilievre has embraced the label of a populist, using social media to bypass traditional outlets and speak directly to Canadians. He frequently denounces “gatekeepers” in government, media, and academia, framing himself as a champion of ordinary people against out-of-touch elites.
He gained national traction during the COVID-19 pandemic for criticising vaccine mandates and pandemic restrictions, aligning himself with civil liberties advocates and segments of the Freedom Convoy movement. While his stance was polarising, it solidified his support among voters seeking a break from top-down governance.
Personal life
Poilievre was adopted at birth and raised in Calgary by schoolteachers. He is bilingual, married to political staffer Anaida Poilievre, and is a father of two. His working-class upbringing and personal story of self-made success have shaped his political identity, which he contrasts sharply with what he calls the “privileged political class” of Ottawa.
Known for his sharp tongue and disciplined messaging, Poilievre’s confrontational style in Parliament has drawn both praise and criticism. Supporters view him as a bold truth-teller; detractors see him as divisive.
With the 2025 election in full swing, Pierre Poilievre stands as the most formidable opponent to the Liberal establishment in over a decade. His ability to harness public frustration with economic uncertainty and institutional mistrust could propel the Conservatives to power. But he will also need to broaden his appeal beyond his base to win over undecided voters and secure a majority government.
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