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Pierre Poilievre: A Political Life
When Pierre Poilievre was elected leader of Canada's Conservative party in 2022, he vowed to put Canadians back in control of their own lives.
He took aim at the country’s elites and “gatekeepers” as well as governments that sneer at their own citizens. Railing against the housing crisis and spiralling inflation, Poilievre was telling ordinary Canadians he was on their side.As the adopted son of two Alberta teachers, Poilievre knows the middle class. But he's also the embodiment of a career politician, having spent nearly his entire adult life in politics.
In Pierre A Political Life, journalist Andrew Lawton chronicles Poilievre's life, career, and his unique brand of conservatism which has galvanized supporters and detractors alike. The portrait that emerges is of a radically authentic yet intensely calculating individual who has been plotting his path to be Canada's prime minister since he was a teenager.
He took aim at the country’s elites and “gatekeepers” as well as governments that sneer at their own citizens. Railing against the housing crisis and spiralling inflation, Poilievre was telling ordinary Canadians he was on their side.As the adopted son of two Alberta teachers, Poilievre knows the middle class. But he's also the embodiment of a career politician, having spent nearly his entire adult life in politics.
In Pierre A Political Life, journalist Andrew Lawton chronicles Poilievre's life, career, and his unique brand of conservatism which has galvanized supporters and detractors alike. The portrait that emerges is of a radically authentic yet intensely calculating individual who has been plotting his path to be Canada's prime minister since he was a teenager.
232 pages, Hardcover
Published May 28, 2024
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118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 17, 2025
As Canada prepares for some turbulent times south of the border, it would be remiss not to talk about some of the political fallout within our own borders as well. An election is sure to occur by October 2025 and I wanted to do a little Election Prep for Canada, as I have done for US presidential elections in years past. We have a prime minister who has resigned due to some really poor polling numbers and a salivating Leader of the Opposition wanting to topple the tower right away for his own benefit. This entire experience could be extra fun, as there are whispers from on high in Washington that the upcoming election could be the last for Canada as a sovereign country before we become the 51st state. Let’s see where this reading journey takes us!
Andrew Lawton delivers a wonderfully comprehensive biography of the man who has wanted to be Canada’s prime minister his entire life. Pulling on a number of great interviews, documents, and detailed assessments, Lawton explores the life and times of Pierre Poilievre. Never losing the thread of the political happenings in Poilievre’s life, Lawton delivers a well-rounded biography and lays the groundwork for why this man could be Canada’s answer to the oft-thought narcissistic current leader of the Canadian Government. Full of great anecdotes and stories for the reader, Lawton delivers something well worth their time, while also arguing effectively for Poilievre’s consideration at the next Canadian General Election.
Pierre Poilievre did not grow up in the heart of Canadian political power, though he always had a passion for it. Living in Calgary, Poilievre found his footing in a city at the heart of a reformation movement. While the province had long been conservative in its values, the country struggled to serve the West effectively, as Progressive Conservatives juggled the needs of many in a single party. Andrew Lawton presents the reader with this political dilemma early on during the biography and offers up a keen and politically active Pierre Poilievre as one who wanted to make a difference. As a teen, Pierre sought to make a difference by volunteering for those who were part of a movement, the Reform Party of Canada, and assisted in getting them elected to the House of Commons, where the West could have a voice and ensure their needs were met, while vying for control of the voting populace who sat to the right of centre.
From those early days, Poilievre made an impact on those he assisted and found himself relied upon to strengthen the Reform movement. Making friends in political circles, Poilievre found himself on campus at the University of Calgary, challenging the leftist views that were always prevalent at post-secondary institutions. Setting up political groups to help push a right-of-centre view, Poilievre fostered new and lasting friendships while working towards his degree. It was a private essay writing contest that got Pierre Poilievre to think more about federal politics and the impact his ideas could play, when he made it as a finalist about what he would do as prime minister. This event helped codify his future and make him a force to be revoked within the years to come.
Tapped as an essential part of the Reform Party’s future, Poilievre serves as an intern for various members of the party, working on Parliament Hill and making connections that would last a lifetime. As Lawton explores, these early years helped not only strengthen the party—which had morphed from being the Reform Party to seeking to encapsulate the conversation views of Canadians as the Canadian Alliance—but also sought to challenge the foundational views of the Liberal Party, who had been governing for a number of years and leading Canadians down a path that was not sustainable. Poilievre worked to dethrone the core group he considered cocky and out of touch, while also seeking to enshrine the values of conservatism on anyone who would listen.
When given the chance to serve his party in a more hands-on way, Pierre Poilievre tossed his hat into the ring and ran as a Member of Parliament for an open seat in Ottawa-Nepean. He had the support of the national party and many locals, making a difference and serving an electorate with which he had little geographic connection. Pierre Poilievre became a household name and advocated for those who had elected him, never shying away from the tough questions or processes that needed his support. He also found his legs within the House of Commons, becoming a guard dog for conservatives and nipping at the heels of the Liberal Government whenever he could. Poilievre went through a number of roles while on the Opposition benches and this helped prepare him for when the Conservative Party of Canada—the final incarnation of the initial Reform and Canadian Alliances collectives—took office and became the governing party.
Andrew Lawton works well to explore the roles that Pierre Polilievre took within the government, serving to help add depth to his experiences and assist him in serving the country more effectively. Poilievre helped the Conservatives gain direction and depth as they took on the challenges of steering the country towards a freer and more cost-effective lifestyle. While many would lament that Poilievre became a little too ferocious, he did so out of eagerness to prove his worth and not start malice. Lawton argues that this helped empower Poilievre for a bumpy road ahead. Working in a number of portfolios, Poilievre could develop his style and mind, something that would come in handy when trying to convince the electorate of his worth in the years to come.
A second stint in opposition helped to showcase a more mature and well-rounded Pierre Poilievre, though there were issues, Outside his blossoming relationship with a woman he met by chance on the Hill, these years in opposition were dicey and filled with a great deal of struggle, The party seemed to lack the fire with which is was imbued when Pierre Poilievre had when he arrived on Parliament Hill the first time around. Its leaders needed charisma and had little, allowing themselves to be bandied around by a young and vivacious prime minister named Justin Trudeau, whose hold on power seemed ever-evolving. Still, Poilievre sought to find cracks and magnify them for the Canadian public, through a number of acerbic comments and relentless attacks. It served him well and helped pave the way for his eventual selection as leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, as well as Canada’s Leader of the Opposition. This would prove to be the audition that Pierre Poilievre had waited for his entire life, paving the way to winning the coveted prime ministership he hoped to obtain before too long.
Andrew Lawton effectively argues in the latter part of the book that Pierre Poilievre was ready to serve his country as leader from the outset simply waiting for the right time to fall into the prime ministership. This proved to be an even more important section for me to read, with the departure of Prime Minister Trudeau and an election sure to come within months. Lawton explored Poilievre’s keenness and plethora of ideas, as well as how he would implement many of them, but there is no true litmus test to see how he would handle power. We can presume or project, but nothing prepares better than actual success. Additionally, we must see if Poilievre can handle the task of an actual campaign, keeping his candidates in line and not dropping the ball in a presumptive victory (ask Stephen Harper how well that went in 2015!). Lawton cannot predict how Pierre Poilievre would do, though his arguments and ideas surely leave the reader to think about it.
Throughout this well-paced biography, Andrew Lawton shows how Pierre Poilievre was an effective gatekeeper to power and sought to cultivate it for himself and those around him. Working with key political figures, Poilievre sharpened his skills and saw things from a new perspective, while always trying to better himself in the process. There were many highs and lows throughout, though nothing deterred the man from seeing the light and working his way towards it. Each chapter of the biography helped explore these goals and Poilievre’s mission, elucidating for the curious reader how things would go and the direction in which the central subject sought to take things on his journey from Deer Run in Calgary with hopes of attaining the prime minister’s residence.
I could not have asked for more, as I learned a great deal on this journey. While it did not sway me towards becoming an adoring fan, I better understand things and how Pierre Poilievre sees himself in the larger picture. When Canadians head to the polls at some point this year, I will watch to see how Poilievre works under pressure to open the floodgates and welcome Canadians inside the fold, or whether he will continue a Trumpian version of events and seek to isolate.
Kudos, Mr. Lawton, for this great snapshot of a man who has always hungered for power and is willing to do whatever it takes to attain it!
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Andrew Lawton delivers a wonderfully comprehensive biography of the man who has wanted to be Canada’s prime minister his entire life. Pulling on a number of great interviews, documents, and detailed assessments, Lawton explores the life and times of Pierre Poilievre. Never losing the thread of the political happenings in Poilievre’s life, Lawton delivers a well-rounded biography and lays the groundwork for why this man could be Canada’s answer to the oft-thought narcissistic current leader of the Canadian Government. Full of great anecdotes and stories for the reader, Lawton delivers something well worth their time, while also arguing effectively for Poilievre’s consideration at the next Canadian General Election.
Pierre Poilievre did not grow up in the heart of Canadian political power, though he always had a passion for it. Living in Calgary, Poilievre found his footing in a city at the heart of a reformation movement. While the province had long been conservative in its values, the country struggled to serve the West effectively, as Progressive Conservatives juggled the needs of many in a single party. Andrew Lawton presents the reader with this political dilemma early on during the biography and offers up a keen and politically active Pierre Poilievre as one who wanted to make a difference. As a teen, Pierre sought to make a difference by volunteering for those who were part of a movement, the Reform Party of Canada, and assisted in getting them elected to the House of Commons, where the West could have a voice and ensure their needs were met, while vying for control of the voting populace who sat to the right of centre.
From those early days, Poilievre made an impact on those he assisted and found himself relied upon to strengthen the Reform movement. Making friends in political circles, Poilievre found himself on campus at the University of Calgary, challenging the leftist views that were always prevalent at post-secondary institutions. Setting up political groups to help push a right-of-centre view, Poilievre fostered new and lasting friendships while working towards his degree. It was a private essay writing contest that got Pierre Poilievre to think more about federal politics and the impact his ideas could play, when he made it as a finalist about what he would do as prime minister. This event helped codify his future and make him a force to be revoked within the years to come.
Tapped as an essential part of the Reform Party’s future, Poilievre serves as an intern for various members of the party, working on Parliament Hill and making connections that would last a lifetime. As Lawton explores, these early years helped not only strengthen the party—which had morphed from being the Reform Party to seeking to encapsulate the conversation views of Canadians as the Canadian Alliance—but also sought to challenge the foundational views of the Liberal Party, who had been governing for a number of years and leading Canadians down a path that was not sustainable. Poilievre worked to dethrone the core group he considered cocky and out of touch, while also seeking to enshrine the values of conservatism on anyone who would listen.
When given the chance to serve his party in a more hands-on way, Pierre Poilievre tossed his hat into the ring and ran as a Member of Parliament for an open seat in Ottawa-Nepean. He had the support of the national party and many locals, making a difference and serving an electorate with which he had little geographic connection. Pierre Poilievre became a household name and advocated for those who had elected him, never shying away from the tough questions or processes that needed his support. He also found his legs within the House of Commons, becoming a guard dog for conservatives and nipping at the heels of the Liberal Government whenever he could. Poilievre went through a number of roles while on the Opposition benches and this helped prepare him for when the Conservative Party of Canada—the final incarnation of the initial Reform and Canadian Alliances collectives—took office and became the governing party.
Andrew Lawton works well to explore the roles that Pierre Polilievre took within the government, serving to help add depth to his experiences and assist him in serving the country more effectively. Poilievre helped the Conservatives gain direction and depth as they took on the challenges of steering the country towards a freer and more cost-effective lifestyle. While many would lament that Poilievre became a little too ferocious, he did so out of eagerness to prove his worth and not start malice. Lawton argues that this helped empower Poilievre for a bumpy road ahead. Working in a number of portfolios, Poilievre could develop his style and mind, something that would come in handy when trying to convince the electorate of his worth in the years to come.
A second stint in opposition helped to showcase a more mature and well-rounded Pierre Poilievre, though there were issues, Outside his blossoming relationship with a woman he met by chance on the Hill, these years in opposition were dicey and filled with a great deal of struggle, The party seemed to lack the fire with which is was imbued when Pierre Poilievre had when he arrived on Parliament Hill the first time around. Its leaders needed charisma and had little, allowing themselves to be bandied around by a young and vivacious prime minister named Justin Trudeau, whose hold on power seemed ever-evolving. Still, Poilievre sought to find cracks and magnify them for the Canadian public, through a number of acerbic comments and relentless attacks. It served him well and helped pave the way for his eventual selection as leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, as well as Canada’s Leader of the Opposition. This would prove to be the audition that Pierre Poilievre had waited for his entire life, paving the way to winning the coveted prime ministership he hoped to obtain before too long.
Andrew Lawton effectively argues in the latter part of the book that Pierre Poilievre was ready to serve his country as leader from the outset simply waiting for the right time to fall into the prime ministership. This proved to be an even more important section for me to read, with the departure of Prime Minister Trudeau and an election sure to come within months. Lawton explored Poilievre’s keenness and plethora of ideas, as well as how he would implement many of them, but there is no true litmus test to see how he would handle power. We can presume or project, but nothing prepares better than actual success. Additionally, we must see if Poilievre can handle the task of an actual campaign, keeping his candidates in line and not dropping the ball in a presumptive victory (ask Stephen Harper how well that went in 2015!). Lawton cannot predict how Pierre Poilievre would do, though his arguments and ideas surely leave the reader to think about it.
Throughout this well-paced biography, Andrew Lawton shows how Pierre Poilievre was an effective gatekeeper to power and sought to cultivate it for himself and those around him. Working with key political figures, Poilievre sharpened his skills and saw things from a new perspective, while always trying to better himself in the process. There were many highs and lows throughout, though nothing deterred the man from seeing the light and working his way towards it. Each chapter of the biography helped explore these goals and Poilievre’s mission, elucidating for the curious reader how things would go and the direction in which the central subject sought to take things on his journey from Deer Run in Calgary with hopes of attaining the prime minister’s residence.
I could not have asked for more, as I learned a great deal on this journey. While it did not sway me towards becoming an adoring fan, I better understand things and how Pierre Poilievre sees himself in the larger picture. When Canadians head to the polls at some point this year, I will watch to see how Poilievre works under pressure to open the floodgates and welcome Canadians inside the fold, or whether he will continue a Trumpian version of events and seek to isolate.
Kudos, Mr. Lawton, for this great snapshot of a man who has always hungered for power and is willing to do whatever it takes to attain it!
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
June 9, 2024
This review of the political life of Pierre Poilievre (so far) is really not more than a long magazine article. I do follow Canadian politics quite closely, and I have to say I learned nothing new about Poilievre or the Conservatives. Andrew Lawton's research was pretty limited, and the insights provided by people that he interviewed were not much more than anybody would glean from a daily read of the papers. Granted, Poilievre is a private person, but Lawton apparently interviewed Jenni Byrne, a Conservative insider who dated Poilievre for over a decade. That source alone should have added a richness to the text. The fact that Byrne came off sounding like she barely gave thought to Poilievre is not Byrne's fault: her ability to analyze and deep-dive into politics is well-known. Perhaps Lawton had a tight deadline, perhaps he was in over his head, perhaps he was lazy, but this book does not add to the conversation on our (possibly) next prime minister. If you want to know about Pierre Poilievre, watch a couple of question periods, and a few of his videos, and you will know as much as Lawton's book tells you.
February 18, 2025
Surprising (or is it?) how even a puff piece that clearly is meant to make Pierre look good, doesn't make Pierre look good. He comes off as a hyper partisan career politician who is not appreciated by his employees and coworkers. Most stories make him seem unpleasant (like how'd hed call his constituency office at 5pm to make sure staff hadn't gone home early, or how forceful he was in courting his now-wife, then conservative staffer). This surely does not endear me at all to him or his campaigns.
That said, he has an impressive track record as a partisan MP who is willing to do anything and everything for the good of himself and the party
That said, he has an impressive track record as a partisan MP who is willing to do anything and everything for the good of himself and the party
July 6, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I don't understand the other comments that state that they didn't learn anything new. I learned a lot! You see I was never into politics until 2021. Something just didn't seem right. That was the moment I started to learn about Pierre and the conservatives. I was always a Liberal or NDP voter but that has ended. Although I never voted for JT as something seemed off from the very beginning. I can also see that the conservatives are more freedom oriented, the same reason I was drawn to the liberals of the past.
I have a lot more respect for Pierre after reading this book. From his beginnings in the Reform party to what he has become today. Learning about his family was also a bonus. We can see that he worked hard to get where he is and not some spoon feed spoiled brat.
I pray Pierre is able to fix this once beautiful country! We need freedom of speech, freedom of movement, economic freedom not some socialist movement our country is turning into. Every hard working Canadian deserves a government that respects them, free from scandals and abuse.
PP 4 PM!
I have a lot more respect for Pierre after reading this book. From his beginnings in the Reform party to what he has become today. Learning about his family was also a bonus. We can see that he worked hard to get where he is and not some spoon feed spoiled brat.
I pray Pierre is able to fix this once beautiful country! We need freedom of speech, freedom of movement, economic freedom not some socialist movement our country is turning into. Every hard working Canadian deserves a government that respects them, free from scandals and abuse.
PP 4 PM!
May 23, 2025
This was a fantastic and thorough read about one of Canada’s most interesting political figures. Andrew does a superb job of detailing Poilievre’s personal and political life and isn’t afraid to be critical either. Pierre is a very interesting person, and this book does a great job of drawing out where Pierre comes from both as a person and as a political thinker and leader. Well done! I would (and have!) recommended to others.
June 28, 2025
I find it rather amusing that Poilievre's biggest fanboy wrote a biography about his entire political career, yet even he couldn't find a way to make it look like he has accomplished anything of merit over the past 20 years 😅
Poilievre is one of the biggest reactionary goons in Canadian politics right now (aside from maybe Danielle Smith, Sam Oosterhoff, or Dean Allison) who, at his core, has no substantial belief system or really any identity outside of politics. He doesn't care for his constituents as much as he does about "owning the libs!!"
I'm frankly embarrassed on his behalf to have read this book and learned that he in fact has never done anything to progress not just Canada, but the entire conservative party as a whole! Can't wait to move forward and forget this man ever existed now that I'm done this❤️
Poilievre is one of the biggest reactionary goons in Canadian politics right now (aside from maybe Danielle Smith, Sam Oosterhoff, or Dean Allison) who, at his core, has no substantial belief system or really any identity outside of politics. He doesn't care for his constituents as much as he does about "owning the libs!!"
I'm frankly embarrassed on his behalf to have read this book and learned that he in fact has never done anything to progress not just Canada, but the entire conservative party as a whole! Can't wait to move forward and forget this man ever existed now that I'm done this❤️
May 31, 2024
Andrew Lawton writes a succinct biography on the life and political career of Conservative Party Leader and future Prime Minister, Pierre Poilievre. Lawton details Poilievre’s movement conservatism in a traceable fashion and gives readers a glimpse into Poilievre’s political highs and lows, wins and losses, errors and triumphs in the past two decades or so.
March 28, 2025
Never did I expect a political biography to be so damn interesting. This literally taught me so much about Canadian politics I never knew before. Bring it home!
Read
August 18, 2024“It is telling that when Poilievre was promoted to be the minister of employment and social development in February 2015, none of his staff, except for his driver and one parliamentary affairs aide, moved with him.”
“One of Poilievre's favourite stories to tell from 2004 is a bit morbid. His volunteer (and later staffer) Stephen Gilman's cat went missing during the campaign. Gilman was quite distraught, especially when he found the cat's remains on the road. He, along with [Lisa] MacLeod's husband, Joe Varner, took time away from the campaign to dig a hole and gave the cat a dignified burial. A few days later, Gilman was sitting on his porch when he saw his cat walk around the corner. The Poilievre campaign team had buried someone else's cat.”
“One of Poilievre's favourite stories to tell from 2004 is a bit morbid. His volunteer (and later staffer) Stephen Gilman's cat went missing during the campaign. Gilman was quite distraught, especially when he found the cat's remains on the road. He, along with [Lisa] MacLeod's husband, Joe Varner, took time away from the campaign to dig a hole and gave the cat a dignified burial. A few days later, Gilman was sitting on his porch when he saw his cat walk around the corner. The Poilievre campaign team had buried someone else's cat.”
March 20, 2025
I’m not a fan of Pierre Poilievre, nor was I prior to reading his biography. I decided to listen to the audiobook because Poilievre is often compared to Donald Trump, and I wanted to better understand if that comparison holds any merit. (When something scares you, it is sometimes best to take a look behind the curtain to see if it is scary as it seems.) After finishing the book, I feel like I have a better understanding of his current campaign strategies, and my disdain for him has grown. Poilievre seems to have a record of being driven by ambition rather than any clear moral compass. He is unlikeable, and after reading this, a liability to Canadians.
As a biography, it’s decent, but I found much of it dry. The chapters covering his early years and rise to parliament read like a list of accomplishments, lacking depth or nuance. The “interesting” anecdotes mostly describe him lounging on couches or staying in hotel rooms - they are not personable. The later chapters, which show his transformation from a political attack dog to a YouTube troll, and identify his controversies, were more engaging. Although Lawton attempts to provide a balanced account of Poilievre, his accomplishments are explored in depth, and his many controversies glossed over. I did appreciate the lengthy exploration of the history of the Conservative Party.
There’s little in the book about Poilievre’s life outside of politics, and what is included paints him as unlikeable. The description of his courting his now-wife made me pause the audio because of how cringey and uncomfortable it was. His treatment of his staff is at best toxic. His disregard for diplomacy (and blatant disrespect to many with whom he speaks) is a liability to Canadians. I am not sure if this was purposeful, or if he is simply that unpleasant that propaganda cannot make him palatable.
In the end, this biography provided a relatively skewed depiction of the leader of the Conservative Party exploring (at length) his accomplishments, and (briefly) his controversies. Still, Poilievre is depicted as brash and unlikeable. As a biography, it is alright, but ultimately not super engaging. You probably were already planning on it, but I would skip this one.
As a biography, it’s decent, but I found much of it dry. The chapters covering his early years and rise to parliament read like a list of accomplishments, lacking depth or nuance. The “interesting” anecdotes mostly describe him lounging on couches or staying in hotel rooms - they are not personable. The later chapters, which show his transformation from a political attack dog to a YouTube troll, and identify his controversies, were more engaging. Although Lawton attempts to provide a balanced account of Poilievre, his accomplishments are explored in depth, and his many controversies glossed over. I did appreciate the lengthy exploration of the history of the Conservative Party.
There’s little in the book about Poilievre’s life outside of politics, and what is included paints him as unlikeable. The description of his courting his now-wife made me pause the audio because of how cringey and uncomfortable it was. His treatment of his staff is at best toxic. His disregard for diplomacy (and blatant disrespect to many with whom he speaks) is a liability to Canadians. I am not sure if this was purposeful, or if he is simply that unpleasant that propaganda cannot make him palatable.
In the end, this biography provided a relatively skewed depiction of the leader of the Conservative Party exploring (at length) his accomplishments, and (briefly) his controversies. Still, Poilievre is depicted as brash and unlikeable. As a biography, it is alright, but ultimately not super engaging. You probably were already planning on it, but I would skip this one.
July 25, 2024
Very good read.
February 24, 2025
If you are hoping for a balanced and good faith representation, or a serious or detailed investigation into the person who could become our next Prime Minister, you will be disappointed.
This was a book written for Poilievre fans. It is extremely apparent that the author is trying to reimagine Poilievre's misdeeds and unlikeability in a more flattering light. When the author refers to himself, he speaks about himself as though he were an unbiased journalist. He is in fact a conservative party member and candidate, a conservative talk radio host, and a managing editor of a right-wing news site. He is the author of another pro-freedom convoy book. He is very much coming at this novel with a particular biased aim, despite his many complaints throughout the novel about the bias in Canadian media against conservatives.
That said, it was still an interesting read, and it was largely factual, though the interpretation of those facts are... dubious. The author does make some strong connections and predictions that I think any reader would agree with given the facts of his life. For one, that Poilievre lives and breathes politics, and has since he was a teenager - it's all he's ever done. Not only in that it's the only job he has ever had, as progressive media will remind you. But in that it consumes every aspect of his life, has been at the centre of every friendship and relationship, and is both job and hobby. The author reimagines this as positive and dogged determination to succeed, with great results to date. He does remind us that Poilievre once wrote that politicians should only ever serve two terms before stepping down - something that, obviously, he does not seem to apply to himself. The facts were largely strung together in a cohesive way that was easy to listen to.
To some degree, he's not wrong about liberal bias in the retelling of events. That the media is controlled by these liberals is dubious, of course, given who actually owns media outlets in this country. There are few exceptions, such as CBC, which is, of course, likely the reason for conservative ire against our own publicly funded national news. But that media tends to retell things in a biased way, and that progressive groups try to assist in putting a negative spin on anything the conservatives do, is certainly true. There were many events that were positive for Poilievre that, as a progressive person, I've never heard. I was directed to old news clips and videos that did, in fact, humanize Poilievre somewhat for me, and which I would not otherwise have ever seen. The idea that this is a uniquely or even largely progressive thing to do is absurd, of course, especially in the course of a biased retelling.
Another interesting feature of the novel that may not be clear to anyone who is not an active Conservative party member is just how much pressure and power that conservative factions such as the so-called "Pro Life" movement have in Canada when it comes to selecting leaders. I found it very interesting to read about how it is nearly impossible in the current structure of the current conservative party to elect anyone who is vocally pro choice or socially liberal.
All in all, I thought it was worth reading, but only for those with media literacy who are willing to do the leg work to verify what is said, and who are reading it to find out more about how people think that are very different from them. If you are looking to read it to gain knowledge through an unbiased retelling about the true life of Poilievre, I would not look here. The events covered do not differ markedly from his Wikipedia page and they certainly do not delve beneath the surface to find the inconsistencies or speak truth to power. I'd be surprised if they did, given the author's admittance that Pierre is an uncompromising, demanding, and shrewd leader who, as a result, has never been able to keep staff... and whose party he is currently trying to get into as an MP.
This was a book written for Poilievre fans. It is extremely apparent that the author is trying to reimagine Poilievre's misdeeds and unlikeability in a more flattering light. When the author refers to himself, he speaks about himself as though he were an unbiased journalist. He is in fact a conservative party member and candidate, a conservative talk radio host, and a managing editor of a right-wing news site. He is the author of another pro-freedom convoy book. He is very much coming at this novel with a particular biased aim, despite his many complaints throughout the novel about the bias in Canadian media against conservatives.
That said, it was still an interesting read, and it was largely factual, though the interpretation of those facts are... dubious. The author does make some strong connections and predictions that I think any reader would agree with given the facts of his life. For one, that Poilievre lives and breathes politics, and has since he was a teenager - it's all he's ever done. Not only in that it's the only job he has ever had, as progressive media will remind you. But in that it consumes every aspect of his life, has been at the centre of every friendship and relationship, and is both job and hobby. The author reimagines this as positive and dogged determination to succeed, with great results to date. He does remind us that Poilievre once wrote that politicians should only ever serve two terms before stepping down - something that, obviously, he does not seem to apply to himself. The facts were largely strung together in a cohesive way that was easy to listen to.
To some degree, he's not wrong about liberal bias in the retelling of events. That the media is controlled by these liberals is dubious, of course, given who actually owns media outlets in this country. There are few exceptions, such as CBC, which is, of course, likely the reason for conservative ire against our own publicly funded national news. But that media tends to retell things in a biased way, and that progressive groups try to assist in putting a negative spin on anything the conservatives do, is certainly true. There were many events that were positive for Poilievre that, as a progressive person, I've never heard. I was directed to old news clips and videos that did, in fact, humanize Poilievre somewhat for me, and which I would not otherwise have ever seen. The idea that this is a uniquely or even largely progressive thing to do is absurd, of course, especially in the course of a biased retelling.
Another interesting feature of the novel that may not be clear to anyone who is not an active Conservative party member is just how much pressure and power that conservative factions such as the so-called "Pro Life" movement have in Canada when it comes to selecting leaders. I found it very interesting to read about how it is nearly impossible in the current structure of the current conservative party to elect anyone who is vocally pro choice or socially liberal.
All in all, I thought it was worth reading, but only for those with media literacy who are willing to do the leg work to verify what is said, and who are reading it to find out more about how people think that are very different from them. If you are looking to read it to gain knowledge through an unbiased retelling about the true life of Poilievre, I would not look here. The events covered do not differ markedly from his Wikipedia page and they certainly do not delve beneath the surface to find the inconsistencies or speak truth to power. I'd be surprised if they did, given the author's admittance that Pierre is an uncompromising, demanding, and shrewd leader who, as a result, has never been able to keep staff... and whose party he is currently trying to get into as an MP.
February 18, 2025
Considering the current state of the political arena in Canada, I took a long moment thinking on how I would frame this book review. In seeking an objective and non-partisan approach, it was certainly difficult to do. This, especially considering that Andrew Lawton’s "Pierre Poilievre: A Political Life" is, at its core, an argument for its subject. It’s a largely sympathetic look at Poilievre’s rise, framing him as a relentless political operator who has, from a young age, understood how to navigate the machinery of government & politics. Overall, the book captures key moments of his development: his early openness to different political ideas, his calculated approach to winning his first nomination, and the tactical discipline that has defined his career ever since. Accordingly, although it is a subjective book in so many respects, this is also what makes it worth the read – the almost “insider” insight that it provides.
Lawton is upfront about Poilievre’s effectiveness as a political strategist, particularly in how he has mastered the mechanics of retail politics—signing up members, working the ground game, and understanding how to shape messaging. These are the traits that have made him a force within the Conservative movement up to this point. Yet, the book also notes the influences that have shaped his style, from Churchillian rhetoric to Tom Flanagan’s campaign metaphors, making the case that Poilievre is as much a student of political strategy as he is a practitioner of it. That said, Pierre Poilievre: A Political Life is far from a critical biography. Lawton, who became a Conservative candidate in Ontario shortly after publishing the book, approaches Poilievre with a clear degree of admiration. The result is a portrayal that, while informative, often smooths over rough edges or leaves out some of the contradictions that have defined Poilievre’s evolution.
For that, I think that Paul Wells’ recent reflections provide a useful counterbalance. You can find the link to the most recent article on that here - https://paulwells.substack.com/p/two-.... Wells, who has known Poilievre for two decades, describes a politician who was once accessible and engaged in private but has now fully embraced his public persona. While Poilievre has always been politically sharp, his shift into a constant campaign mode—where every interaction is performance—has made him harder to pin down outside of the brand he has crafted for himself. This mirrors the Conservative Party’s broader approach in recent years—perpetually on the offensive.
One thing is clear: whatever Poilievre lacks in private-sector experience, he makes up for in sheer political efficiency. His opponents will point to his lifelong career in politics as a weakness, but they cannot say he has not been an effective and disciplined operator in Parliament. To claim otherwise would be a complete misreading of his time in Ottawa. "Pierre Poilievre: A Political Life" captures this well, even if it does so with a notably generous lens. And if Wells' assessment is correct—that Poilievre has fully embraced the role of political performer—then the real question is not just whether he can win power, but how he intends to wield it. With an election on the horizon, understanding both sides of the coin—his undeniable effectiveness in opposition and the uncertainty of his approach to governing—is essential for anyone looking to make an informed decision at the ballot box.
Lawton is upfront about Poilievre’s effectiveness as a political strategist, particularly in how he has mastered the mechanics of retail politics—signing up members, working the ground game, and understanding how to shape messaging. These are the traits that have made him a force within the Conservative movement up to this point. Yet, the book also notes the influences that have shaped his style, from Churchillian rhetoric to Tom Flanagan’s campaign metaphors, making the case that Poilievre is as much a student of political strategy as he is a practitioner of it. That said, Pierre Poilievre: A Political Life is far from a critical biography. Lawton, who became a Conservative candidate in Ontario shortly after publishing the book, approaches Poilievre with a clear degree of admiration. The result is a portrayal that, while informative, often smooths over rough edges or leaves out some of the contradictions that have defined Poilievre’s evolution.
For that, I think that Paul Wells’ recent reflections provide a useful counterbalance. You can find the link to the most recent article on that here - https://paulwells.substack.com/p/two-.... Wells, who has known Poilievre for two decades, describes a politician who was once accessible and engaged in private but has now fully embraced his public persona. While Poilievre has always been politically sharp, his shift into a constant campaign mode—where every interaction is performance—has made him harder to pin down outside of the brand he has crafted for himself. This mirrors the Conservative Party’s broader approach in recent years—perpetually on the offensive.
One thing is clear: whatever Poilievre lacks in private-sector experience, he makes up for in sheer political efficiency. His opponents will point to his lifelong career in politics as a weakness, but they cannot say he has not been an effective and disciplined operator in Parliament. To claim otherwise would be a complete misreading of his time in Ottawa. "Pierre Poilievre: A Political Life" captures this well, even if it does so with a notably generous lens. And if Wells' assessment is correct—that Poilievre has fully embraced the role of political performer—then the real question is not just whether he can win power, but how he intends to wield it. With an election on the horizon, understanding both sides of the coin—his undeniable effectiveness in opposition and the uncertainty of his approach to governing—is essential for anyone looking to make an informed decision at the ballot box.
February 8, 2025
I'm not one for biographies. I'll be the first to tell anyone that. However, I watched the author's interview on TVO. The interview piqued my interest. It was engaging. I immediately put this book on hold at my local library. Reading the first and last chapters first (as I do with all non-fiction), I found the author's writing here is also engaging, and far more than I anticipated.
Without having read or watched extensively for other accounts of this book's subject, I found this book well worth a read. A thorough but approachable introduction if you don't know much about the subject to begin with.
If you're looking for context for the current leader of His Majesty's Loyal Opposition, while being engaged, I would definitely recommend this book.
But what puts this book over the top for me - as someone who knew a bit about the history of this party, but not a lot - is that this book can also serve as a great backgrounder/introduction to the history of the federal conservative parties over the last few decades. The author very much does not assume the reader knows the history.
I especially really appreciate that the author pauses to explain things like the role of a junior minister, or the difference between a similar office in the party vs. in the government. As someone who studied governance, but not the inner workings of Canada's federal political parties, this was an absolutely fascinating read.
My music pairing: The Lurker of Lunar Hollow by Peter and Darren Gundry.
Without having read or watched extensively for other accounts of this book's subject, I found this book well worth a read. A thorough but approachable introduction if you don't know much about the subject to begin with.
If you're looking for context for the current leader of His Majesty's Loyal Opposition, while being engaged, I would definitely recommend this book.
But what puts this book over the top for me - as someone who knew a bit about the history of this party, but not a lot - is that this book can also serve as a great backgrounder/introduction to the history of the federal conservative parties over the last few decades. The author very much does not assume the reader knows the history.
I especially really appreciate that the author pauses to explain things like the role of a junior minister, or the difference between a similar office in the party vs. in the government. As someone who studied governance, but not the inner workings of Canada's federal political parties, this was an absolutely fascinating read.
My music pairing: The Lurker of Lunar Hollow by Peter and Darren Gundry.
December 17, 2024
Pierre Poilievre is the odds on favorite to become the next Prime Minister of Canada and Andrew Lawton has written the most comprehensive book so far on Poilievre's background and beliefs.This is a very pro Poilievre tome-Lawton gives Poilievre the benefit of the doubt on every issue and every controversy- but it also outlines well the energy, drive, and communication talents which have made Poilievre so successful. Lawton calls his book " A political life" and that is the dominant theme of the study.Since he was a teenager Poilievre has never been outside the political bubble: he began joining youth clubs in the Conservative and Reform Parties after his Mom( a Diefenbaker fan) took him to his first political meeting, he has never worked in tbe private sector and has had no career outside of politics , he left university before completing his degree to work for an MP in Ottawa ( eventually taking enough courses to complete his degree after becoming an MP) , he won a seat to Parliament at age 24 in 2004 to become Parliament's youngest member -known for his slashing partisan pitbull style which has never changed .This all encompassing devotion to politics has propelled him far but will it be enough to make him a successful Prime Minister? Lawton certainly thinks so and makes a credible case.
November 1, 2024
Extremely disappointed in this book.
I like Poilievre. I will vote for the conservative candidate in my riding despite this book. I have followed Canadian politics since the 80s. This book is full of factual errors, it just isn't compelling.
Many of the errors I know from personal experience. The following is a clear error in myth-making that doesn't pass the smell test. "Trudeau's last full-day in office was June 3, 1979. That same day Pierre Poilievre was born." p. 3
"While Poilievre was in high school, Brian Mulroney and the Progressive Conservatives won a massive majority government. On September 4th, 1984, they defeated John Turner's Liberals". p.8
No Andrew. Pierre was starting kindergarten when the Progressive Conservatives defeated John Turner's Liberals. Kindergarten, not high school.
Weirdly for a hagiography it inadvertently isn't the most flattering portrayal.
Maybe just don't talk about the environment in his MP office or his thoughts on cappuccino in Ottawa. Nobody likes a boss who calls the office on Friday afternoons to make sure everyone is working their full day. Or have a sign in the office about it not being a place to build self-esteem. Probably good for Conservative election chances this book will be lightly-read.
I like Poilievre. I will vote for the conservative candidate in my riding despite this book. I have followed Canadian politics since the 80s. This book is full of factual errors, it just isn't compelling.
Many of the errors I know from personal experience. The following is a clear error in myth-making that doesn't pass the smell test. "Trudeau's last full-day in office was June 3, 1979. That same day Pierre Poilievre was born." p. 3
"While Poilievre was in high school, Brian Mulroney and the Progressive Conservatives won a massive majority government. On September 4th, 1984, they defeated John Turner's Liberals". p.8
No Andrew. Pierre was starting kindergarten when the Progressive Conservatives defeated John Turner's Liberals. Kindergarten, not high school.
Weirdly for a hagiography it inadvertently isn't the most flattering portrayal.
Maybe just don't talk about the environment in his MP office or his thoughts on cappuccino in Ottawa. Nobody likes a boss who calls the office on Friday afternoons to make sure everyone is working their full day. Or have a sign in the office about it not being a place to build self-esteem. Probably good for Conservative election chances this book will be lightly-read.
December 17, 2024
I chose to read this book to better understand the leader of the Conservative Party in Canada. It is a well written book and I was engaged with the way Poilievre began his education in the political sphere in high school. The biographer shows the intellect and skill of poilievre being a creative thinker and adept at strategy. He learned from and with many of the significant leaders in the party who aslo recognized his talent for political strategy and personal engagement.
I was interested in how such a capable man became such a mean and focused political leader when he demonstrated more engaging skills of listening and respect to his opponents in debates in his early years. I found this an engaging read following the development of Poilievre's careerin to party leadership.
As you may guess I am not a supporter of Peter Poilievre conservative views and policies but I better appreciate how he operates and understand his tactics.
I would recommend this book to those interested in Canadian politics.
I was interested in how such a capable man became such a mean and focused political leader when he demonstrated more engaging skills of listening and respect to his opponents in debates in his early years. I found this an engaging read following the development of Poilievre's careerin to party leadership.
As you may guess I am not a supporter of Peter Poilievre conservative views and policies but I better appreciate how he operates and understand his tactics.
I would recommend this book to those interested in Canadian politics.
December 2, 2024
I picked up this book in an effort to better understand the man that will likely be my country's next Prime Minister as I knew very little about Poilievre before this. I liked the book. It humanized Poilievere and put him in the greater context of Canada’s modern conservative movement , highlighting issues often ignored by those within the Ontario /toronto bubble like Western alienation.
The book didn't challenge Poilievre all that much and was a bit on the nose /pushy with its thesis that being Prime Minister is the role Poilievre's been preparing for his entire life but other than that. No complaints.
The book didn't challenge Poilievre all that much and was a bit on the nose /pushy with its thesis that being Prime Minister is the role Poilievre's been preparing for his entire life but other than that. No complaints.
April 22, 2025
This is written by a sycophantic author, the founder of the 'True North' infotainment outlet. If you hate Poilievre you might gain something by reading this, if only an appreciation of his hard work and perhaps some insight to positive characteristics you are convinced he lacks. But don't expect anything but the heaviest glossing over of his negatives, from the partisan antics, to the backstabbing, to the intentional dumbing down of Canadian politics to the us vs. them mentality. Nothing negative about his Covid actions, the occupation of Ottawa, etc. If you love him, pass on this book. It won't bring you balance or inform you in a useful way.
May 29, 2024
I must say, whether you are for PP or against him, this book is essential reading. And it is very well, and I would say, impartially written. PP's family, his Alberta upbringing, early political influences, and ambitious progress through the Reform, Canadian Alliance, and Conservative parties, make for compelling reading. I was really motoring through to the end. His allegiance to Milton Friedman's philosophy of laissez-faire capitalism, like Margaret Thatcher before him, could well be the subject of another book.
August 9, 2024
An interesting book, even a useful one, that perhaps comes a bit short of being a must-read for insight. I've seen it characterized as 'generous to a fault' and I think that's about right. There are a lot of tensions in this that go largely unexamined - Poilievre the ascended son of the CPC's 'Khmer Bleu' caucus posing for a photo op at a government benefit cheque printing factory struck me as a moment that begged for more interrogation. But that said, it is a useful roundup and has some insights from people who have known Poilievre for a long time.
April 10, 2025
This biography was written by a conservative insider, and, as a number of other reviewers here point out, clearly biased in Poilievre’s favour. A better and more recent portrait of this man has been written by Mark Bourrie (“Ripper”).
Quite apart from Lawton’s lack of skill with a pen, what I found most objectionable was his deliberate omission of Poilievre’s two major career debacles, one of which displays the shameful sacrifice of a global children’s charity (WE Scandal) on the altar of his political aggrandizement. The other was his disgraceful involvement with the COVID Convoy, You’d never know they happened if you read this account.
There is no sugarcoating Poilievre’s failings when you are writing to inform Canadians about someone to be trusted with reigns of the country.
Quite apart from Lawton’s lack of skill with a pen, what I found most objectionable was his deliberate omission of Poilievre’s two major career debacles, one of which displays the shameful sacrifice of a global children’s charity (WE Scandal) on the altar of his political aggrandizement. The other was his disgraceful involvement with the COVID Convoy, You’d never know they happened if you read this account.
There is no sugarcoating Poilievre’s failings when you are writing to inform Canadians about someone to be trusted with reigns of the country.
February 14, 2025
Reading about Poilievre is reading about Canadian politics, because the majority of his life has been spent in the political sphere. If you are curious about his personal life, this isn't the book for you; however, if you want to understand how Canadian politics functions, as both a game involving petty squabbling, and a serious set of responsibilities that require a great deal of work to manage, this book is a great deep dive into that world.
May 9, 2025
This book is what the title says, a description of Polievre political life, with bits of his personal life. Good to get to know the dynamics of Canadian politic system, more focused in the conservative side, needs lots of googling if you are not familiarized with politician names.
With this being said, it is easy to read and doesn't place the subject in a pedestal, showing his ups and downs and striving to paint a balanced portrait of the individual.
With this being said, it is easy to read and doesn't place the subject in a pedestal, showing his ups and downs and striving to paint a balanced portrait of the individual.
June 24, 2025
Amazing biography on one of my favourite politicians. Shows how he manages affairs while appeasing to Fifty Plus One. Furthermore, it explains how he has been stuck to the principles he wrote about in his essay when he was 20 years old. He may be a career politician, but he has earned my trust to lead and build the Canadian Dream. I do hope he is the Prime Minister of this beautiful country one day in the future.
June 1, 2025
A bit of a slog, especially at the beginning, because historically I haven't enjoyed politics, and so was unfamiliar with the history, the terms, and the relevance of what was written. By the end it was more interesting when the events became more familiar to me, and the final summary was quite good.
January 28, 2025
Great book, well-written and research. I would’ve actually liked it to be a bit longer, maybe an extra 50 pages would’ve really fleshed out the ideas. But a really solid book, hope Poilievre becomes our new PM!
July 25, 2024
I was unsure about reading this book but it is a balanced, interesting look at Poilievre who is more than likely to be our next Prime Minister.
August 21, 2024
Very timely book.
Disclosure: Objective review, which does not in any way indicate my politics.
Disclosure: Objective review, which does not in any way indicate my politics.
October 4, 2024
A long-form, arguably partisan Wikipedia article that works for readers in 2024 but lacks deep insight into the titular subject.
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