Pierre Poilievre is in a pickle: he’s a weak leader with a strong mandate

The Conservatives now have a leader who is apparently afraid of his caucus, and a caucus that is apparently unafraid of its leader.

During a Feb. 17 press conference in the West Block, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was asked if he had spoken to MP Jamil Jivani about his comments that Canada was having an 'anti-America hissy fit.' Poilievre repudiated Jivani's words but ever so mildly, writes Michael Harris.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Opinion

BY MICHAEL HARRIS

February 23, 2026

HALIFAX—The Conservative Party of Canada is now in a pickle.

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Weekend Point of View Newsletter

Top Canadian political and policy opinion and analysis. Saturdays and Sundays. Weekends.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy