Following Justin Trudeau’s departure, the race for Canada’s future prime minister has heated up. Pierre Poilievre, head of the Conservative Party, has emerged as the pioneer, according to the crypto-based projection system Polymarket. Poilievre, 45, is not only seen as a potential leader but even a controversial figure, as highlighted by his new Deepavali event disagreement.
Who is Pierre Poilievre?
Pierre Poilievre has been a key figure in American elections since 2004, representing Carleton, Ontario, in Parliament. He has pushed for free-market initiatives and self-reliance since taking over the Conservative Party and the formal opposition in 2022. Previously, he served as minister for democratic reform ( 2013-2015 ) and minister of employment and social development in 2015 under former Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Born in Calgary, Alberta, Poilievre graduated with a diploma in International Relations from the University of Calgary. He now resides with his family, Anaida, and their two children, Valentina and Cruz.
Deepavali discussion
Poilievre’s management of Deepavali activities has drawn considerable criticism. In October 2024, he canceled a cherished Diwali celebration that had been planned for Parliament Hill in response to lessened political angsts with India. The Overseas Friends of India Canada ( OFIC ), the event’s organizer, stated that no explanation was provided for the decision. This marked the first withdrawal of the occasion in its 23-year background, unsatisfactory many Indo-Canadian businesses.
On November 16, the judgement Liberal Party intervened by hosting a Deepavali party led by MP Chandra Arya, and Conservative MP Todd Doherty organized a smaller-scale celebration at a different time and location. Poilievre’s company later clarified that the celebration wasn’t canceled but “modified”, with Doherty taking over having jobs. The shift, however, failed to alleviate concerns within Canada’s Hindu society, who viewed the shift as a information of isolation.
Effects on India-Canada relationships
Poilievre’s activities come at a time when Canada’s relationship with India is strained, mainly due to the Trudeau government’s reported pandering to pro-Khalistani parties. The cancellation of the Deepavali event by Pierre-Levy sparked doubts about whether a new Liberal government had actually adopt a different position on ties between India and Canada.
Prior to the 2025 votes, a previous High Commissioner to Canada suggested that Poilievre may be trying to balance the stories being promoted by both pro-Khalistani and pro-Hindu parties. Poilievre has not yet provided a clear strategy for resolving the political rifts with India.
Poised for management
Despite the discussion, Poilievre remains a strong candidate for Canada’s top work. He has established himself as a proponent of change thanks to his strong language and appealing appeal to the general public. It’s still to be seen whether he is successfully navigate the complexities of local diverse politics and international politics.
Poilievre’s command will undoubtedly be scrutinized as it works to unify the nation while addressing its growing difficulties on the world stage as Canada prepares for its next chapter.
