The Conservative Party’s head, Pierre Poilievre, maintains a solid position in the public opinion polls as Canada enters the period leading up to the next general elections. In recent polls, Poilievre and his party, the Conservatives, hold a significant double-digit advantage over Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party.
Poilievre, who according to projections is poised to become the next leader of Canada, has characterized his nation as being ‘in disarray’ and suffering under the weight of ‘violence and disorder.’ He has strongly criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, labeling him as ‘bizarre,’ and his governing cabinet as ‘mad,’ ‘devastating,’ ‘lacking capability and lacking credibility.’
In the parliamentary debates, he labeled a left-leaning opposition leader, a one-time supporter of Trudeau, as ‘a sham, a pretender, and a cheat’ and a ‘turncoat.’ This enraged the accused leader who leapt up from his seat, moved to the aisle, and shouted, ‘I’m here, mate.’ ‘Go ahead,’ retorted Mr. Poilievre, even as the Speaker of the House struggled to reinstate peace and implored the members to adhere to ‘our agreed regulations.’
At 45, Mr. Poilievre not only leads the opposition Conservative Party but has also been pushing the boundaries of Canada’s political conversation with his aggressive, offence-oriented tactics and an anti-establishment, populist rhetoric. Supporters classify his style as genuine, while opponents parallel his strategies to those of Donald Trump.
Mr. Poilievre and his Conservative Party have maintained their substantial lead over Trudeau and the Liberal Party successively for the past year according to the polls. If the current trends persist, Poilievre is set to assume bigger responsibilities as the Prime Minister following the general elections. These elections are mandatory before October but are likely to occur in the spring in the wake of Trudeau’s announcement to step down as leader of his party and as Prime Minister once his successor is decided.
Being a veteran politician, Poilievre has earned a reputation for being his party’s stalwart defender, showing a natural understanding of issues that connect with voters. With his effective counters, he has managed to outshine Trudeau, who has lost favor among the public, over the past year, projecting him as disconnected.