Front Burner

Pierre Poilievre's Donald Trump problem

Pierre Poilievre’s opponents say he’s just like Donald Trump. With the U.S. trade war the central issue of the upcoming election, what could that mean for the Conservatives’ campaign?
A person speaks at an outdoor lectern adorned with a sign reading, 'Canada first for a change.'
Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre speaks about Canada’s federal election at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada March 23, 2025. REUTERS/James Park (James Park/Reuters)

With the federal election underway, Pierre Poilievre's political opponents have intensified their accusations that the Conservative leader is like U.S. President Trump.

On Sunday, Liberal leader Mark Carney said that Poilievre mirrors Trump in language and intention, and that he followed the administration's lead in proposing foreign aid cuts.

For weeks now, the party has been putting out ads focusing on the similarities between Poilievre and Trump.

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh said, also on Sunday,  that Poilievre is endorsed by Elon Musk, who is leading the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency.

In a country where the majority of people have negative views of Trump, this start to the campaign likely wasn't an ideal one for Poilievre and his team.

CBC parliamentary bureau reporter J.P. Tasker, who's currently on the campaign trail with the Conservatives, outlines Pierre Poilievre's Trump problem, and what it might mean for the campaign moving forward.

For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts

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