Is Pierre Poilievre too 'in sync' with Donald Trump?

Six months ago, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poiliveau seemed to be riding the populist wave to the prime minister’s office. And while he may yet win, for now the wave is being overshadowed by the threat and reality of the world’s greatest populist.

The most controversial statement of the federal election so far, even before the campaign officially began, was made not by a federal politician but by the premier of Alberta.

In an interview recorded on March 8 with a right-wing American outlet, Daniel Smith declared that while there will always be differences of opinion, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poiliveau is “very much in line with the new direction in America” and said that if Poiliveau becomes prime minister, “we can do a lot together.”

In recent months, the Liberals have tried to link Poilier and Trump, both substantively and stylistically. For example, Chrystia Freeland used the term “maple syrup mega” to describe the Conservatives last fall. And so Smith’s comments, which gained more attention last week, were a gift to the ruling party.

Mark Carney, speaking in front of the Hall of Fame on Sunday, said Canadians must decide “whether they want a government that is united and fighting for Canadian interests or whether they want to be divided and Americanized.”

In British Columbia, Pierre Poilier, in response to Trump’s tariff threats, called on him to “stop it” and has used the line repeatedly throughout his campaign.

Last month, when Trump said Poilier was not a “mega” (referring to the “Make America Great Again” movement), Poilier immediately recalled the comment. But the Conservative leader has declined to offer a direct response to Smith's analysis.

Poilier has shown himself to be close to Trump's style, but the important thing is whether he can act independently and differently from Trump, and, unlike some of his advisers, distance himself from aligning with American policies.

Similarities and differences
Poilier and Trump have obvious personality differences, but there are also similarities in some aspects.

Polls have shown that 55% of respondents believe Poilier supported Trump in the last US presidential election. These similarities are most evident in their populist communication style.

Poilier initially supported the Freedom Convoy and promised to fight "gatekeepers" (people who he says are preventing Canadians from progressing). He also said he would fire the Bank of Canada governor, defund the BBC and overturn judicial decisions using Article 33 of the Constitution.

Questions ahead for Poilier
Smith’s comments, describing Poilier as “in line with the new direction of America,” could raise questions for the Conservative leader.

While Poilier has said he will give the strongest response to Trump’s threats, Smith’s comments could reinforce liberals’ view that Poilier is not strong enough to stand up to Trump.

Ultimately, Poilier will need to show how he differs from Trump and which parts of Trumpism he rejects. Some conservative voters may still be inclined to support Trump, as 31 percent of Conservative supporters view the former president favorably in recent polls.

In the end, Poilier should be judged on his words, his merits, and his record, not simply on political comparisons to Trump.