Political Profiles: Pierre Poilievre, Andrew Scheer, and Stephen Harper
An In-depth Analysis (using A.I.)
A.I. content orchestrator : FASCISMWATCH
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, seen in a photo taken March 30, 2025, in Toronto, will be on Vancouver Island on April 25. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Laura Proctor
I. Introduction
This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the political profiles of three significant figures in the modern Conservative Party of Canada: Pierre Poilievre, Andrew Scheer, and Stephen Harper. These leaders have, in their respective capacities, shaped the party's direction, influenced national discourse, and left distinct imprints on Canadian politics. By examining their policy stances, financial dealings, religious affiliations, associations, career trajectories, and public perceptions, this report aims to offer a nuanced understanding of their contributions and the ideological currents they represent within the Canadian conservative movement.
II. Policy Stances and Political Agendas
A. Indigenous Relations
Pierre Poilievre has articulated a vision for Indigenous relations heavily centered on economic empowerment. He has consistently stated that a Conservative government would guarantee "economic prosperity for First Nations," aiming for them to be "the richest on earth," by unlocking resources and ensuring direct economic benefits for Indigenous communities. His approach includes the repeal of Bill C-69, which mandates assessments for environmental, health, social, economic impacts, and Indigenous rights for major projects. Poilievre's platform also proposes an Indigenous Opportunities Corporation to facilitate equity ownership in major projects and a permanent funding stream for communities under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, alongside allowing industry to pay a portion of their taxes directly to First Nations. While focused on economic development, his platform has shown less emphasis on social issues like child welfare reform, though he has pledged $25 million to support Indigenous-language media. Poilievre has expressed a nuanced view on Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), acknowledging its importance but seeking a clearer definition of consultation, and has committed to working with First Nations to identify "shovel-ready zones" for major projects. He has also pledged to uphold funding for Jordan's Principle and support community-led police services.
Andrew Scheer, during his leadership, faced criticism for his perceived lack of a clear strategy on Indigenous reconciliation. In 2019, Indigenous leaders expressed dissatisfaction with his response to their inquiries regarding his policy, stating he advised them to "have patience and wait for his platform." Notably, the word "reconciliation" was reportedly absent from his five major policy speeches outlining his election platform. Critics, including then-Liberal MP Carolyn Bennett, highlighted this silence as "disrespectful" and "irresponsible," particularly given the significant Indigenous population in Canada. Scheer's Conservative Senators were also accused of blocking Bill C-262, legislation intended to ensure Canadian laws respect the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which the Liberal Party subsequently vowed to include in their own platform.
Stephen Harper's government generally adopted a more paternalistic approach to Indigenous affairs, with critics arguing he did not prioritize reconciliation. His administration was characterized by a less collaborative stance, often seen as believing "Ottawa knew best."
B. Social Policy & Rights
1. Rights of Minoritized Groups
Pierre Poilievre's stances on social issues present a complex picture. Regarding Minorities and Muslims, he has publicly acknowledged the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia, emphasizing religious freedom and pledging concrete steps to protect worshippers. However, his positions on LGBTQ+ rights have drawn significant controversy. He has stated he is "aware of two genders only" and supports banning transgender individuals from women's washrooms, shelters, prisons, and sports teams, advocating that "female spaces should be exclusively for females, not for biological males." These positions, and related policy resolutions passed at the 2023 Conservative party convention (where 87% of members voted to restrict sex-segregated spaces to "female persons" and another resolution passed would ban access to gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors), are widely viewed by gender equality and LGBTQ+ advocates as discriminatory and harmful. Poilievre has been observed with individuals wearing "straight pride" anti-LGBTQ2S+ shirts and is the only major federal leader to endorse Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's policies restricting transgender youth rights.
Below left: Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Eric Green wearing a 'straight pride' T-shirt during the Conservatives' annual pancake breakfast at the Calgary Stampede in Alberta on July 8. Above right: Tory MP Jasraj Singh Hallan, left, was criticized for posing with individuals wearing shirts bearing anti-LGBTQ+ slogans at the event. Photographs courtesy of Twitter and Facebook
On Immigration, Poilievre has proposed tying immigration levels to homebuilding capacity and has indicated a potential reduction in overall numbers under his leadership, without specifying figures. He aims to "restore integrity to the system" by cracking down on fraud, dramatically reducing temporary foreign workers and foreign students, and requiring "union LMIA pre-checks." He suggests foreign workers should only be allowed in "rare circumstances" where Canadians cannot fill jobs and has called for increased security measures for international students. His platform from October 2024 included creating a national licensing standard for the healthcare sector to ease the accreditation of immigrant doctors and nurses. He has expressed skepticism about refugee and asylum claims, suggesting many are "fraudulent," advocating for "legal immigration" but stating "if they're a fraudster, they will have to go." His 2025 platform details expedited removal for foreign nationals engaged in criminal activity. While supporting increased francophone immigration with a proposed 12% target outside Quebec by 2029, he emphasizes preserving the French language and calls for increased border security, including Canadian forces, military helicopters, surveillance, and extended CBSA powers. Despite these strong stances, his wife, Anaida, arrived as a child refugee, and he advocates for integrating newcomers, believing Canada should not be a "hyphenated society."
Andrew Scheer, while personally opposed to same-sex marriage, supported the removal of opposing language from the Conservative party's policy handbook in 2015, citing a need for policy to reflect Canadian societal values. Nevertheless, his personal views and his reluctance to march in Pride parades raised concerns among some that he might reopen debates on same-sex marriage and abortion, a claim he denied he would act on if elected. He also sought "more time and details" before supporting a federal ban on gay conversion therapy, drawing significant criticism. Scheer's 2019 platform included pledges to provide tax credits for parents who homeschool their children or send them to private school, indicating a focus on parental choice in education, which can sometimes align with socially conservative perspectives.
Stephen Harper's government maintained a generally socially conservative stance, though direct legislative action on social issues was often avoided once in power, reflecting a strategic decision to focus on economic matters. His strong alignment with social conservative elements, however, implicitly influenced positions on issues like gender roles and reproductive rights, which are often targets of anti-feminist movements.
2. Women's Rights
Pierre Poilievre has publicly vowed that a Conservative government would not pass any laws restricting access to abortion, stating, "There will be no laws or other restrictions imposed on a woman's right to decide to do with her body as she wishes." He has affirmed this as long-standing Conservative policy, to be explicitly included in his platform. However, critics point to the fact that the entire Conservative caucus, including Poilievre, voted for a bill in 2023 that would have encoded fetal rights into law, a move seen by many as a step towards abortion bans. He has also faced criticism for repeatedly referencing women's "biological clocks" in discussions about housing affordability, which critics label as sexist. His "More Boots, Less Suits" strategy has been criticized for failing to appeal to women and exacerbating the party's gender gap.
A significant point of concern regarding Poilievre's approach to women's rights stems from reports in 2022 that his official YouTube videos included a hidden tag "#mgtow" (Men Going Their Own Way), an anti-feminist group linked to the "incel" movement. While his office claimed he was unaware and removed the tags, critics argue this suggests an attempt to appeal to anti-women audiences. Poilievre's aggressive communication, focus on "victimization," and "anti-woke" messaging are also seen by some as aligning with the "red-pill" philosophy popular in the manosphere, which promotes male supremacy and can foster misogynistic attitudes.
Andrew Scheer pledged not to reopen the abortion issue, although his personal views, rooted in his Roman Catholic faith, often left room for speculation among voters and advocates regarding his stance on women's reproductive rights. A feminist analysis noted that Scheer shared a stage with white supremacist Faith Goldy at a United We Roll Rally in 2019. The alt-right ideology, with which Goldy is associated, often incorporates misogyny, sexism, and anti-democracy, disproportionately affecting racialized women, LGBTQ2SIA people, Indigenous women, and Black women.
Conservative leader Andrew Scheer (l) and white nationalist Faith Goldy address the United We Roll pipeline protest on Parliament Hill February 19. Photo: Jonathan Goldsbie/Twitter
Stephen Harper's government did not introduce legislation to restrict abortion, but his close ties to social conservative groups meant that concerns about his party's long-term intentions on reproductive rights persisted among women's advocacy organizations. His government's focus on "family values" often aligned with traditional gender roles, a stance that sometimes clashes with broader advancements in women's rights and gender equality.
C. Economic & Environmental Policy
Pierre Poilievre's economic agenda is rooted in a philosophy of deregulation, tax cuts, and reduced public spending, aiming to stimulate the private sector for economic growth and productivity gains. A central tenet is his commitment to "axe the entire Liberal carbon tax law" and decentralize climate action to the provinces. He has vowed to fully support the oil and gas industry, proposing fast-tracked approvals, scrapping the Impact Assessment Act and the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, and opposing an emissions cap on the sector. Critics contend that his plan to cut the federal deficit would necessitate significant cuts to public services, including healthcare, and that his proposed tax cuts on new housing (exempting rental and student residences) offer limited solutions for housing affordability. His "war on woke" rhetoric often extends to criticisms of government spending and social programs, which he labels as "socialist" or "massive state" interventions.
Andrew Scheer's key economic policy in the 2019 election was the repeal of the federal carbon tax. His platform, "A Real Plan to Protect Our Environment," aimed to balance environmental conservation with economic growth. He also proposed a Universal Tax Cut, reducing the lowest income tax bracket, and removing the GST from all home heating. Scheer advocated for fiscal restraint and criticized the Liberal government's deficits and its handling of the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion project. He voted against the ratification of the Paris Agreement in October 2016 but later voted to reaffirm Canadian ratification in June 2017, a move some observers attributed to avoiding comparisons with Donald Trump.
Stephen Harper's economic legacy is defined by a commitment to fiscal conservatism, including tax cuts, reducing the national debt, and promoting free trade. His government lowered the GST by two points (from 7% to 5%) and introduced various targeted tax credits. Environmentally, his government withdrew Canada from the Kyoto Protocol and prioritized resource development, particularly the oil sands, over stringent climate action. He emphasized a "continental energy strategy" focused on North American energy security.
D. Foreign Policy: Israel and Palestinians
Pierre Poilievre is a staunch supporter of Israel and has actively engaged with pro-Israel and Zionist organizations in Canada. His public statements consistently emphasize strong Canadian-Israeli relations and opposition to initiatives perceived as anti-Israel. In March 2024, at an Orthodox Montreal-area synagogue, he controversially referred to Canadian Jews as "the true Indigenous people" and pledged that his government would actively oppose anti-Israel resolutions at the United Nations. He has stated his intention to cut funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), accusing it of facilitating terrorism. While condemning Hamas, he has been criticized for a perceived lack of acknowledgment of Palestinian suffering in the Gaza conflict, with some commentators describing his framing as "superficial and unbalanced." In March 2024, the entire Conservative caucus under Poilievre voted against a non-binding New Democratic Party motion to formally recognize the state of Palestine. He has also vowed to deport foreigners from Canada for "criminal hate-mongering," particularly in relation to pro-Palestinian protests, which he links to a rise in antisemitism.
Andrew Scheer took a clearer stance on Jerusalem in December 2017, stating that a Conservative government, if elected in 2019, would recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. He publicly expressed prayers for the safety of Israeli Defense Forces soldiers during missile attacks in May 2018.
Stephen Harper's foreign policy was marked by an "unusually strong support of Israel," which was seen as a deliberate strategy to attract Jewish voters. His government consistently refused to criticize any aspect of Israel's actions in Lebanon or Gaza, or the Gaza flotilla. Harper's administration notably cut funding to UNRWA and to Gaza following Hamas's electoral victory, being the first country to do so. His government also withdrew funding from organizations like KAIROS Canada (an ecumenical organization) for allegedly supporting the boycott of Israel, and significantly restructured the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development (Rights & Democracy) after it provided grants to Israeli and Palestinian human rights groups. Harper's alignment with Christian Zionists, some of whom hold pre-millennial dispensationalist beliefs, is often cited as a contributing factor to his unwavering support for Israel.
III. Financial Interests & Religious Connections
A. Business Activities & Shareholdings
Pierre Poilievre co-founded a political communications company named 3D Contact with Jonathan Denis. His political operations have documented connections between his inner circle and corporate lobbyists and political operatives representing diverse interests, including Koch Industries, Elon Musk's X Corp., Loblaws, Enbridge, Pathways Alliance, the Canadian Gas Association, Rumble Canada, Rebel News, Canada Proud, and Facebook. Notably, his former director of policy is now with One Persuasion, an advocacy group. While Poilievre has criticized Mark Carney for a "Carney Loophole" related to financial disclosures, he has pledged that a Conservative government would amend the Conflict of Interest Act to mandate leadership candidates disclose their financial holdings and require future Prime Ministers and Ministers to sell assets that create conflicts of interest.
Andrew Scheer's pre-political career included work in the insurance business in 2003 and later as an assistant in a Canadian Alliance MP's constituency office. During the 2019 election campaign, his biography on the Conservative party website stated he had worked as an insurance broker, though a Globe and Mail investigation found no evidence he was ever accredited as one.
Stephen Harper, after leaving elected office, became a leading partner in AWZ Ventures, a venture capital firm. AWZ Ventures has invested in Israeli companies that developed surveillance technology used on Palestinian refugees, a practice that human rights groups have raised concerns about, though not directly implying war crimes by the venture itself. Prior to becoming Prime Minister, Harper also led the National Citizens Coalition, a conservative advocacy group.
B. Religious Affiliations & Support
Pierre Poilievre was raised Roman Catholic by his adoptive parents. While he has not given interviews detailing his personal views on religion, close associates suggest it has played a minimal role in his adult life beyond philosophical discussions. He typically appears at churches for campaigning or events. In July 2024, he visited three Toronto-area evangelical churches, delivering political speeches. Religious freedom has become a recurring theme in his messaging. A conservative American Catholic publication, the National Catholic Register (NCR), noted his current religious practice is unclear but mentioned his Easter 2024 message "appeared to profess an active Christian faith." The NCR also highlighted his opposition to the expansion of Canada's medical assistance in dying (MAID) laws and support for parental rights, but contrasted these with his support for abortion rights and same-sex marriage, which earned him a "not supportable" rating from the Catholic Campaign Life organization. The Conservative Party of Canada also used an Easter poster featuring his face alongside the words, "He is risen," suggesting a strategic appeal to religious voters.
Andrew Scheer is a devout and orthodox Roman Catholic, the son of a Roman Catholic deacon. He was described as a "committed and conservative believer" and garnered significant support from social conservatives during his leadership campaign. Despite his personal opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage, the Catholic Campaign Life organization rated him "not supportable" due to his stated refusal to reopen these debates if elected. Scheer's deep-seated faith was a known aspect of his public persona, and he publicly attended mass during the 2019 election campaign. He is an active member of the Knights of Columbus, and his children attend a private faith-based school.
Stephen Harper joined the evangelical Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in the 1980s. He strategically emphasized social values to court the religious right, viewing it as crucial for forming a national government. In a 2003 speech, he highlighted the shift from economic to social issues as defining conservative politics, advocating for outreach to "theo-cons" – social conservatives of all faiths. Exit polls from the 2011 election showed a strong correlation between religiosity across various faiths and voting Conservative, with 50% of weekly churchgoers supporting the party. His unusually strong support for Israel was partly attributed to the influence of Christian Zionists within his coalition. Marci McDonald's 2010 book, The Armageddon Factor, detailed the growing influence of conservative Christian groups within Harper's Ottawa. His government provided funding for Christian postsecondary education (for the first time in Canada) and demonstrated an unreserved, uniquely strong policy stance on Israel.
IV. Associations and Influences
A. Key Personalities & Alliances
Pierre Poilievre has cultivated relationships with influential figures across the political spectrum. In January 2025, he conducted a 100-minute interview with Jordan Peterson, who has endorsed Poilievre and with whom he discussed young people's yearning for "traditional values." He maintains a close alliance with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who has called him a "true friend of Alberta" and praised his advocacy against "punitive taxation and anti-resource policies," though some have pointed to Smith's national impact as potentially undermining Poilievre's federal campaign, especially regarding links to Donald Trump. Poilievre also benefits from endorsements from prominent conservative personalities like Conrad Black (a convicted fraudster) and has historical ties to Ezra Levant, owner of Rebel News, who was a "mentor" to a young Poilievre. Stephen Harper is widely considered Poilievre's political mentor and has publicly endorsed him, even appearing with him at a rally in Edmonton in April 2025.
Andrew Scheer's early political career saw him working on Preston Manning's campaign and actively participating in the "Unite the Right" movement to merge the Progressive Conservative and Reform parties. As leader, his efforts were supported by key campaign figures from within the Conservative Party.
Stephen Harper's political trajectory was significantly shaped by his association with Preston Manning, the founder of the Reform Party, and his political mentor, Tom Flanagan. Harper was a leading "thinker" behind the Reform Party's foundational principles.
B. Political Movements & Groups
Pierre Poilievre's rhetoric has been analyzed for its potential to resonate with QAnon, Romana Didulo, and MAGA-linked Groups. Experts suggest his use of terms like "globalist" to describe opponents adds a conspiratorial element to political discourse, which can appeal to those susceptible to such theories. He has drawn support from figures aligned with the MAGA movement, such as Elon Musk and Matt Gaetz, suggesting an ideological overlap despite Poilievre's attempts to distance himself from direct comparisons to Donald Trump. Critics, however, frequently label him as "Donald Trump light" due to similarities in communication style and anti-establishment messaging.
Poilievre's engagement with Far-Right Groups has been a notable area of controversy. He supported the "Freedom Convoy" demonstrations in 2022 and was photographed with protestors displaying a Diagolon flag, failing to unequivocally condemn or distance himself from such associations. While he has called Alex Jones, a celebrity conspiracy theorist who endorsed him, a "garbage conspiracy theorist," he did not categorically reject Jones's support. His "war on woke" rhetoric is seen by some as a direct import of American far-right political tactics, aimed at inverting social justice advocacy into an authoritarian threat.
Pierre Poilievre Meets with Far-Right Extremist Group at Nova Scotia-New Brunswick Border FreePress / Source: T. Everett, 2024
Andrew Scheer's campaign manager during his leadership, Hamish Marshall, had direct connections to the controversial right-wing media outlet The Rebel. Scheer himself conducted multiple interviews with The Rebel, including one with white supremacist Faith Goldy, which drew significant criticism. This association, and his refusal to condemn certain figures within the far-right, led to accusations of legitimizing extremist views and potentially appealing to elements aligned with the alt-right ideology, which often incorporates misogyny and anti-democratic sentiments.
Stephen Harper, especially in his early career with the Reform Party, engaged with a more populist conservative base. While he publicly condemned extremist views at the Reform Party's 1991 national convention, his strategy of uniting the right inherently involved accommodating a broad spectrum of conservative thought, some of which bordered on the far-right.
V. Political Career Trajectories
A. Early Life and Academic Background
Pierre Poilievre's political journey began early. He graduated high school in 1997 and went on to study international relations at the University of Calgary. His engagement in politics started at a young age, attending local Tory meetings at 14 and selling Reform Party memberships for Jason Kenney by 16, actively participating in conventions. At the University of Calgary, he was part of a "historically important clique" that included Jason Kenney, Benjamin Perrin, and Ezra Levant, a group that would form a significant core of the modern Conservative movement. This early immersion in conservative politics, particularly with the Reform Party's populist leanings, laid the groundwork for his future career.
Andrew Scheer, born in Ottawa in 1979, pursued studies in criminology, political science, and history at the University of Ottawa, though he received his Bachelor of Arts degree only in 2008, four years after being first elected to Parliament. During his university years, he was active in political campaigns, including the "Unite the Right" movement and Preston Manning's Canadian Alliance leadership bid, and served in the correspondence department of the Office of the Leader of the Opposition under Stockwell Day. He worked as an insurance clerk and waiter before becoming an assistant to Canadian Alliance MP Larry Spencer in Regina, his future wife's hometown. Scheer is a dual citizen, holding Canadian and U.S. citizenship through his American-born father, a fact that emerged during the 2019 federal election campaign and led to his initial intention to renounce his U.S. citizenship, a plan he later abandoned after stepping down as leader.
Stephen Harper, born in Toronto in 1959, initially engaged with the Young Liberals in high school but later shifted his allegiance. He moved west and worked for Imperial Oil in Edmonton and Calgary before enrolling at the University of Calgary, where he earned bachelor's (1985) and master's (1991) degrees in economics. His political career began as a legislative assistant to PC MP Jim Hawkes in 1985, but he quickly became disillusioned with the Progressive Conservatives. By 1987, he was a co-founder of the populist Reform Party of Canada, serving as its first chief policy officer and playing a major role in drafting its 1988 election platform.
B. Roles and Milestones in Political Career
Pierre Poilievre has had a long and impactful career in Parliament, serving as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Nepean—Carleton (2004-2015) and later Carleton (2015-present). His executive roles included Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board (2011-2013), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (2013), and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment and Social Development (2013). He then held ministerial portfolios as Minister of State (Democratic Reform) from 2013 to 2015 and concurrently as Minister of Employment and Social Development from February to November 2015 under Stephen Harper's government. After the Conservatives lost power, he became a prominent opposition figure, serving as Shadow Minister for Jobs and Industry and most notably as Shadow Minister for Finance from 2017 to 2022, where he built a reputation as a fierce critic of the Liberal government's economic policies. He was elected Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and Leader of the Official Opposition on September 10, 2022. While he lost his own riding in the April 2025 federal election, Poilievre quickly moved to consolidate his leadership, with Andrew Scheer stepping in as interim Opposition leader in the House of Commons, and Poilievre is expected to regain a seat via a by-election in the safe Alberta riding of Battle River-Crowfoot.
Andrew Scheer was elected MP for Regina—Qu'Appelle in 2004 and has held the seat since. He steadily climbed the ranks in the House of Commons, serving as Assistant Deputy Speaker (2006-2008) and Deputy Speaker (2008-2011), before becoming the 35th Speaker of the House of Commons from 2011 to 2015, becoming the youngest Speaker in Canadian history at 32. After the Conservative defeat in 2015, he successfully campaigned for the party leadership, becoming Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and Leader of the Official Opposition from 2017 to 2020. During his tenure, he was a frequent critic of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, particularly on the carbon tax and the Trans Mountain Pipeline. Despite increasing the Conservative seat count and winning the popular vote in the 2019 federal election, he failed to form government and resigned as leader in December 2019. He continues to serve as MP for his riding and, as of May 2025, has taken on the role of House Leader of the Official Opposition.
Stephen Harper's political career is marked by his instrumental role in reshaping the Canadian right. He served as MP for Calgary West (1993-1997) before a brief hiatus from elected politics, during which he led the National Citizens Coalition. He returned to Parliament as MP for Calgary Southwest in 2002 after being elected Leader of the Canadian Alliance. In 2003, he spearheaded the merger of the Canadian Alliance and the Progressive Conservative Party, becoming the first Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada (2004-2015). His leadership culminated in forming a minority government in 2006 and a majority government in 2011, serving as Prime Minister of Canada from 2006 to 2015. His tenure as Prime Minister was characterized by fiscal prudence, a strong foreign policy emphasis on alliances like Israel, and a focus on law and order.
VI. Public Perception and Performance
A. Poll Results and Public Opinion
Pierre Poilievre's public perception has been dynamic. While he enjoyed a significant lead over the Liberals for an extended period, particularly when Justin Trudeau was Prime Minister, polls in April 2025 following Trudeau's resignation and Mark Carney's leadership saw a shift. An EKOS Politics poll from April 17, 2025, indicated Poilievre had a "mirror-opposite net negative 26-point approval rating," while Mark Carney had a net positive 24-point approval rating. The Conservative party's overall support stood at 37.3 points in polls. Just under half of Canadians held an unfavorable opinion of him. A Leger poll from March 31, 2025, highlighted a gender gap, with 36% of male respondents picked him as best PM, compared to only 22% of women, suggesting his "More Boots, Less Suits" strategy did not resonate broadly with female voters. His aggressive, "attack, attack, attack" style, while effective against an unpopular Trudeau, faces challenges against a new Liberal leader seen as a "wartime leader" managing economic and international challenges.
Andrew Scheer's personal approval ratings suffered significantly during the 2019 federal election campaign. An analysis by CBC News noted that his net approval rating (approval minus disapproval) decreased by an average of 10 points between the beginning and end of the campaign, making him the only major party leader whose approval rating dropped during that period. His final net approval rating of -28 was one of the worst among recent major party leaders, with 51% of Canadians surveyed indicating that his religiosity negatively impacted their views of him. Despite this, the Conservatives gained seats and won the popular vote, though they failed to form government. After the election, only 48% of Conservative voters believed he should remain as leader, with 40% wanting him to go.
Stephen Harper's public approval varied throughout his time as Prime Minister. While often viewed as a somewhat polarizing figure, he managed to consistently draw strong support from the Conservative base. The 2011 election exit poll showing higher Conservative support among more religious voters (50% of weekly churchgoers) indicates his success in consolidating that demographic. His leadership style was often described as controlled, disciplined, and sometimes distant, prioritizing message discipline and strategic communication.
B. Personal Interests & Cultural Engagement
Pierre Poilievre's intellectual influences include Milton Friedman's Capitalism and Freedom, which he refers to as his "political bible" for two decades, considering it a "transformative resource." He also cites Friedman's A Monetary History of the United States. In terms of cultural engagement, a venue hosting him played music by The Tragically Hip, leading to a brief controversy as the band prefers political parties to seek their approval. His public appearances have often included traditional political events like the Calgary Stampede, alongside campaign rallies across the country.
Andrew Scheer's personal life details indicate a passion for gridiron football, supporting the Seattle Seahawks and Saskatchewan Roughriders. His brother-in-law, Jon Ryan, is a professional football player. Scheer is also a hunter and firearm owner. During his time as Speaker of the House, he resided at the official residence, the Farm, in the Gatineau Hills, and later at Stornoway as Leader of the Opposition. His interest in history and political systems was evident from his early academic pursuits. One anecdote from his youth points to his fascination with the fall of Soviet regimes, leading him to ask his father about Canadian democracy and why such events couldn't happen here, influencing his understanding of Canada's distinct political stability.
Stephen Harper, after leaving politics, continued to be engaged with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and its mandate to "make Canada better known to Canadians and to the world." In 2015, he received an Honorary Fellowship from the society and its Erebus Medal for his involvement in the Franklin explorations. Beyond his political career, Harper is also an author, having published A Great Game: The Forgotten Leafs & the Rise of Modern Hockey in 2013, showcasing his interest in Canadian history and hockey.
VII. Conclusion
Pierre Poilievre, Andrew Scheer, and Stephen Harper represent distinct phases and ideological currents within the modern Conservative Party of Canada. Stephen Harper, as the architect of the united Conservative Party and a nine-year Prime Minister, established a pragmatic, fiscally conservative, and disciplined governing approach, though his social conservative leanings and strong pro-Israel foreign policy were enduring features. Andrew Scheer, as his successor, attempted to broaden the party's appeal while navigating the challenges of social conservatism and public perception, ultimately failing to form government despite winning the popular vote. Pierre Poilievre, the current leader, embodies a more populist, aggressive, and anti-establishment brand of conservatism, heavily focused on economic grievances and "anti-woke" cultural messaging. His strong stance on issues like carbon tax repeal, support for the resource sector, and his controversial views on social issues set him apart, while his ability to galvanize supporters and challenge the status quo remains a defining characteristic of his leadership. Together, these three leaders illustrate the evolving identity and challenges facing the Canadian conservative movement in an increasingly complex political landscape.
VIII. Sources
The information presented in this report is drawn from a synthesis of publicly available data, including:
- Official government and parliamentary records: Speeches from the House of Commons, government press releases, and legislative documents.
- News archives and reputable media outlets: Including analyses from major Canadian news organizations (e.g., CBC News, Globe and Mail, National Post, Toronto Star) and international publications covering Canadian politics.
- Academic and scholarly articles: Research and analyses on Canadian political parties, elections, and policy issues.
- Party platforms and campaign materials: Official policy documents and public statements from the Conservative Party of Canada.
- Polling data from recognized firms: Public opinion surveys and analysis from organizations such as EKOS Politics and Leger.
- Biographical information: Publicly available profiles and authorized biographies of the political figures.
- Think tank reports and advocacy group statements: Analyses and commentaries from various non-governmental organizations and policy institutes that monitor Canadian politics and specific social issues.
- Public statements and social media: Direct quotes and positions expressed by the individuals on their official channels.
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