Poilievre, the primary opposition leader in Canada, capitalizes on the anti-Trudeau sentiment

Justin Trudeau’s successor as Liberal leader and Prime Minister of Canada will soon be confronted with a brutal election against a populist who is known for his caustic tongue and is riding a tide of anti-Trudeau sentiment.

The Conservative Party and career politician Pierre Poilievre have emerged victorious in the forthcoming federal election in Canada, which is mandated to be held by Oct. 20 and may occur earlier than that date, according to poll after poll.

Poilievre, 45, assumed the Conservative leadership in 2022, positioning himself as a champion of the common man against a perceived elite. He drew comparisons to the President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump.

Poilievre was found to be superior to any of the anticipated candidates for the Liberal leadership position in an Angus Reid poll released on Friday, prior to Trudeau’s announcement that he intended to resign once his party determines a new leader.

According to observers, Poilievre’s ascent is primarily due to his acerbic communication style, voter fatigue with Trudeau, and frustration with inflation. He was expelled from the House of Commons in April for referring to Trudeau as a “wacko.”

“Pierre Poilievre has effectively addressed the concerns of Canadians regarding affordability,” stated Jamie Ellerton, the principal of public relations firm Conaptus and a former Conservative staff member.

“There’s clearly a desire for change.”

Despite the fact that he has not provided many specific policies, Poilievre has capitalized on three-word slogans, such as “axe the tax,” which is a reference to Trudeau’s unpopular carbon price, which is intended to cut emissions. Poilievre has not clarified whether he intends to eliminate the tax solely for consumers, who are already eligible for a rebate, or for industry as well. However, he has stated that he will propose an alternative strategy to mitigate climate change.

Poilievre’s spokesperson declined to respond to inquiries for comment.

The timing of Poilievre is advantageous: Trudeau’s government has been in office for nine years.

“The average lifespan of prime ministers has been a decade,” stated Nelson Wiseman, a politics professor emeritus at the University of Toronto.

In a statement issued on Monday, prior to Trudeau’s resignation announcement, Trump expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Poilievre in the event that he secures the next Canadian election.

“It would be highly beneficial.” The Hugh Hewitt radio program was informed by Trump that their perspectives would be more in agreement.

However, Trump made the statement on Tuesday that he may employ “economic force” to convert Canada into a U.S. state. No, Trudeau and Poilievre both stated on social media that such an event would never transpire.

TRUCKING CONVOY

Poilievre rose to prominence in 2022 by expressing empathy for a lorry convoy that was protesting vaccine mandates and the government in general. In the same vein as Trump, he frequently critiques the media.

However, their objectives are distinct, as Trump indicates that he intends to implement extensive tariffs that would severely damage Canada’s economy, which is dependent on exports to the United States.
“Poilievre will be somewhat similar to Trudeau in terms of the trade files, as the issues and objectives are similar,” stated Adam Harmes, an associate professor of politics at Western University.

The Conservatives would prefer to oppose Trudeau in an election due to his disfavor.

According to Harmes, the Conservatives are confronted with an issue as a result of Trudeau’s imminent resignation. But “they will still prevail in the subsequent election.” A black-swan event would be necessary for them to refrain from doing so.

In anticipation of Trudeau’s departure, the Conservatives have expanded their attacks to include the Liberal Party, designating potential leadership candidate Mark Carney, a former governor of the Bank of Canada, as “Carbon Tax Carney,” Harmes stated.

According to Carney, he was contemplating a leadership candidacy on Monday.

The Conservatives maintain momentum, even in the absence of Trudeau as a counterbalance, according to Wiseman.

“Poilievre could go to sleep now, and they’re going to win a big majority.”

Harmes stated that it may be more challenging to execute straightforward Conservative slogans, such as “build the homes.”

“It will be intriguing to observe the extent to which individuals admire Pierre Poilievre for his own sake,” stated Jim Farney, a professor at the University of Regina. “Rather than just a choice for change.”