OTTAWA—Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre proved one thing over the weekend: he won’t be defined by anyone’s narrative but his own.

For weeks, a debate has been swirling in Ottawa. Fuelled by media, pundits, and unnamed sources, questions have been asked about the need for a so-called “pivot” away from core issues, like axing the carbon tax, and toward a narrative that more directly confronts the existential threat American President Donald Trump poses to the Canada-United States relationship.

This call for a shift in focus—combined with a change in public opinion polling showing proof of life in the Liberal Party on the heels of a new leader taking the reins—has led to increased pressure for Poilievre to prove that he is up to the task of navigating a new world order.

Ironically, Poilievre has not shied away from addressing U.S. threats. Rather than try and buy himself more time with holding statements, the Conservative leader has rolled out detailed proposals addressing nearly every irritant or threat posed by Trump, including enhancing Arctic security, implementing retaliatory tariff measures, combatting fentanyl trafficking, and introducing a six-point plan on border security.

Without a doubt, part of Poilievre’s success is directly attributable to his steadfast commitment to remaining disciplined. This has allowed him to capitalize on big issues like the lack of housing supply, inflationary and cost-of-living pressures, and the fentanyl crisis before they were omnipresent in the minds of Canadians. But his strength as a politician isn’t just on setting the stage—he has proven time and again that he is a skilled tactician, and knows how to meet the moment.

Hence the “Canada First” rally. On a snowy Saturday afternoon in the heart of Ottawa’s downtown core, nearly 2,000 supporters donned red and white in support of the National Flag of Canada Day to hear Poilievre’s vision for Canada.

The choice to rally around the flag is no coincidence; it presents an opportunity to bring new voters concerned about Canada-U.S. relations into the fold. According to Abacus Data polling, Canadians are recognizing and feeling a surge in a uniting identity. In January, 29 per cent of Canadians said our identity was getting stronger. Today, the trend has shifted, with 42 per cent saying the country’s identity has gotten stronger.

The Feb. 15 rally, free from time constraints, allowed Poilievre to ensure his policy agenda wasn’t reduced to a soundbite. As for the message delivered, the “Canada First” slogan is a natural extension of all the policy concerns he has tapped into during his tenure as leader. While Trump’s influence may have played a role in the inspiration for the tagline, it is far from the sole driving force behind the Conservative agenda, which remains focused on making life more affordable for Canadians so that they may live up to their full potential.

This rallying cry neatly houses Poilievre’s domestic agenda—including his commitment to axe the carbon tax—while giving the Conservatives the flexibility to prove they are up to the task of standing up and fighting for a way of life that has slowly been eroded.

The way a leader responds to a threat outside of their immediate control can be a make-or-break moment, and this is where experience in the political arena matters. There will be several more unknowns still to come, including the swearing in of a new Liberal leader, continued provocation by Trump, the expected implementation of tariffs, and the inevitable election call.

Rather than let his critics define him, Poilievre has re-committed to his original objectives, and revealed his vision for putting Canada first in this new world order.

Josie Sabatino is a senior consultant at Summa Strategies. Prior to joining Summa, Sabatino spent nearly a decade as a Conservative political staffer, providing communications and issues management advice to Members of Parliament and the leader of the official opposition.

The Hill Times

 

Josie Sabatino is a senior consultant at Summa Strategies. Prior to joining Summa, Sabatino spent nearly a decade as a Conservative political staffer, providing communications and issues management advice to Members of Parliament and the leader of the official opposition. See all stories BY JOSIE SABATINO