Within the next six months, Canada is likely to witness a turn toward more aggressive right-wing politics.

This shift was set in motion by the resignation of Justin Trudeau as the leader of the Liberal Party, though he remains prime minister for the short remainder of his government’s term. It appears nearly inevitable that Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives will form a government — likely a strong majority government, capable of governing with near impunity.

Much has been written about Poilievre in recent years, often framing him as the champion of the Freedom Convoy, anti-lockdown politics during the height of COVID-19, or a right-wing populist fighting against woke tyranny. While these characterizations highlight key elements of his political strategy, they risk oversimplifying his ideology. Poilievre is not merely a populist reactionary; he is a deeply ideological figure with a long-standing engagement with neoliberal thought, particularly the ideas of Milton Friedman. His contemporary anti-state politics are grounded in this intellectual lineage, not just in right-wing virtue signaling. Understanding Poilievre’s ideological foundations is critical to grasping the broader implications of his rise — and the threat it poses.