Pierre Poilievre: The Bitcoiner Who Will Likely Become Canada’s Next Prime Minister

Pierre Poilievre: The Bitcoiner Who Will Likely Become Canada’s Next Prime Minister

This Year Could See Two North American Pro-Crypto Heads of State

North America may be on the brink of a crypto golden era, with the possibility of two pro-crypto leaders at the helm. While U.S. President Donald Trump has made waves with his crypto ventures, Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) leader Pierre Poilievre has long been a vocal advocate for blockchain and cryptocurrency.

The 45-year-old Member of Parliament (MP) first gained attention by buying shawarmas with bitcoin (BTC) and pledging to “make Canada the blockchain capital of the world.” Poilievre’s rise to prominence coincided with increasing dissatisfaction with outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose tenure has been marred by criticisms over a broken immigration system, surging home prices, and a struggling economy.

With Trump inaugurated today and Poilievre poised to secure Canada’s top political position, North America could see an unprecedented crypto renaissance under pro-crypto administrations.

Advocating Financial Freedom

During a 2022 public appearance, Poilievre remarked, “Government is ruining the Canadian dollar, so Canadians should have the freedom to use other money, such as bitcoin.” This statement came in the wake of Canada’s historic anti-Covid trucker protests, during which the Trudeau administration froze bank accounts and seized crypto assets from demonstrators. Poilievre criticized these actions, stating, “Canada needs less financial control for politicians and bankers and more financial freedom for the people. That includes freedom to own and use crypto, tokens, smart contracts, and decentralized finance.”

A Shift in Approach?

Despite his earlier enthusiasm, Poilievre has recently been less vocal about cryptocurrency. His silence may stem from criticism by his political adversaries, including Trudeau, who accused him of “irresponsible leadership” for advising Canadians to invest in crypto. Even some conservatives voiced concerns over Poilievre’s financial advice. Nevertheless, his most recent public asset disclosure report reveals he still holds Purpose Bitcoin – a Canadian spot bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) – exceeding the $10,000 CAD disclosure threshold.

Pro-Crypto Sentiments on Both Sides of the Border

While Trump has embraced crypto with initiatives like NFTs, appearances at Bitcoin conferences, and launching a memecoin, his inauguration speech today notably avoided crypto topics. Similarly, Poilievre’s recent quietness on the subject contrasts with his earlier bold stance. However, their mutual interest in digital assets suggests that the crypto landscape in North America could transform significantly under their leadership.

As the political climate evolves, the potential for a crypto-driven future in North America remains a compelling prospect.