A Right-Wing Populist Turn in the Conservative Party of Canada? Continuities and Ruptures under the Leadership of Pierre Poilievre (2022-2025)

Departmental Speakers Series Talk by Efe Peker, Department of Sociology, University of Ottawa.

Abstract: Since becoming leader of the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) in 2022, Pierre Poilievre has often been cast as a populist, with frequent comparisons to Donald Trump. This paper assesses the accuracy of such claims by applying multidimensional theories of populism, which examine ideology, communication style, and organizational strategy. Based on a qualitative content analysis of the 2022–2025 period, findings reveal a mixed picture. While Poilievre’s core ideological and policy positions remain rooted in Harper-era neoliberalism and law-and-order priorities, his communication style—featuring anti-elite rhetoric, crisis framing, and combative messaging—signals a marked populist shift. Organizationally, he preserves CPC structures but seeks to transform them through stricter discipline, outsider narratives, and direct digital outreach that sidelines traditional media. Beyond the Canadian case, the paper contributes to broader debates by operationalizing a multidimensional framework for analyzing contemporary populist politics.