December 19, 2023 – In a resounding victory, Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has been named The Canadian Press 2023 Newsmaker of the Year. Editors from across the country made the selection, acknowledging Poilievre’s impact on the political landscape.
The survey, conducted annually, saw Poilievre securing 26% of the 97 votes cast, making him the clear choice among participants from various media outlets nationwide. Manitoba’s recently elected NDP Premier, Wab Kinew, the first provincial premier in Canada from a First Nation, shares the second-place spot with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, each securing 14 percent of the vote.
Since his resounding victory as party leader in September 2022, Poilievre has propelled the Conservative party to new heights, becoming a leading contender for the role of Canada’s next prime minister. His strategic messaging, particularly on housing and the cost-of-living crisis, has resonated with voters, causing a significant dip in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s polling numbers. His relentless “axe the tax” campaign successfully reignited the carbon pricing debate, tying it to affordability concerns shared by many Canadians.
In a recent year-end interview, Trudeau conceded to the effectiveness of Poilievre’s messaging, acknowledging the Conservatives’ successful shift of blame for rising prices to his climate policy. Adding to Poilievre’s influence is his strong social media presence, with over 823,000 followers on ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter). His latest video on the housing crisis, titled “Housing hell: How we got here and how we get out,” has garnered over 4.5 million views on ‘X’ alone, showcasing his ability to connect with a broad audience.
The recent Nanos Weekly Tracking, ending December 15, 2023, further reinforces the Conservative momentum, revealing a 16-point advantage over the Liberals. This significant lead positions Poilievre and the Conservatives as formidable contenders in the upcoming 2024 federal election.
With momentum on his side and the Conservatives enjoying a substantial lead in the polls, Poilievre is poised to leave a lasting impact on Canadian politics in 2023, solidifying his status as a key figure in the political landscape.
