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#Candidates with Extreme Views Welcomed on Poilievre’s Team Disturbing stances, including ties to JD Vance, seem to offer an edge rather than barrier to being selected.

Christopher Holcroft

2025-03-31

Pierre Poilievre, right, with Ontario MP Jamil Jivani, who calls JD Vance a ‘best friend’ and was fired for ‘open disdain’ for his employer’s ‘efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion.’ Photo by Adrian Wyld, the Canadian Press.

After 91-year-old former prime minister Jean Chrétien’s rousing speech to Liberals earlier this month, it can be easy to forget the still-formidable politician was once doubted, even dubbed “yesterday’s man.” That label prompted Chrétien to run his first campaign as Liberal leader in 1993 showcasing a team of star candidates, invoking the slogan “I have the people, I have the plan, we will make a difference.” It worked; Chrétien’s Liberals won the first of three consecutive majority governments.

Featuring accomplished candidates on their team also proved beneficial to Stephen Harper and Justin Trudeau’s election victories, and to Jack Layton’s NDP breakthrough in 2011.