In Canada, the political landscape has also been influenced by the rise of populism, with figures like Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party, seeming to flirt with the extremes of right-wing politics. While Poilievre's policies and rhetoric are not as overtly authoritarian as those seen in other Western democracies, his shift towards more populist and nationalist stances has raised concerns about the erosion of Canadian democratic norms. In recent years, Poilievre has increasingly appealed to disaffected voters, especially those frustrated with the Liberal government's handling of the economy and the COVID-19 pandemic, by adopting rhetoric that echoes many of the themes found in the populist right. He has been vocal in his criticism of the political establishment, denouncing "elite" figures and "globalists," and positioning himself as a defender of the "common people."

Poilievre's embrace of such rhetoric is worrying, as it seems to walk the line between appealing to far-right populism and mainstream conservatism. His attempts to connect with voters disillusioned by the mainstream political parties and the growing dissatisfaction with the status quo are not unlike the tactics employed by extreme-right leaders in other countries. Much like his counterparts in Europe and the United States, Poilievre has made inroads with voters by tapping into fears of immigration, national sovereignty, and cultural change, which has led to speculation about his intentions and the direction his leadership might take.

Moreover, Poilievre's resistance to government-imposed policies, like those surrounding climate change and public health, mirrors the populist stances seen in more extreme-right movements. While Poilievre has not embraced outright authoritarianism or engaged in overtly anti-democratic actions, his rhetoric has begun to reflect the same disillusionment with the political system that has enabled the rise of far-right leaders in other countries. He is tapping into a sentiment of dissatisfaction and fear, using it to rally a segment of the population, and in doing so, he risks playing into the hands of more extreme right-wing elements within his party.

The irony here is similar to that seen in many other countries: by toying with the rhetoric and tactics of the extreme right, Poilievre risks undermining the very democratic foundations he claims to champion. His embrace of populism, with its focus on nationalistic, anti-elite sentiments, threatens to deepen the social divisions and cultural fragmentation that have been exacerbated by extreme-right politics elsewhere. While Poilievre may present himself as a defender of Canadian values and the common citizen, his flirtation with the far-right risks transforming the very nature of Canadian democracy into one that is more divisive, exclusionary, and prone to authoritarian tendencies. In seeking to address the grievances of a portion of the electorate, he may inadvertently contribute to the erosion of the democratic institutions that are central to Canada's political identity.