A tale of two political leaders

Former prime minister Jean Chrétien could do no wrong last week. Despite a promising start during the same period, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre couldn’t get it right.

Last week, ex-prime minister Jean Chrétien, left, spoke in Gander, N.L., and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre did the media rounds in New York. Both were hyping Team Canada, but only one appeared to have staying power, writes Tim Powers. Screenshots courtesy of CPAC and X

Opinion

BY TIM POWERS

September 16, 2026

OTTAWA—Last week presented a fascinating contradiction of two political leaders—one long retired, and one hoping not to be retired anytime soon. Who am I talking about? Jean Chrétien, the former prime minister, and Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative opposition leader wh...

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