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Ripper: The Making of Pierre Poilievre
As Canada heads towards a pivotal election, bestselling author Mark Bourrie charts the rise of Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre and considers the history and potential cost of the politics of division.
Six weeks into the Covid pandemic, New York Times columnist David Brooks identified two types of Western rippers and weavers. Rippers, whether on the right or the left, see politics as war. They don’t care about the destruction that’s caused as they fight for power. Weavers are their people who try to fix things, who want to bring people together and try to build consensus. At the beginning of the pandemic, weavers seemed to be winning. Five years later, as Canada heads towards a pivotal election, that’s no longer the case. Across the border, a ripper is remaking the American government. And for the first time in its history, Canada has its own ripper poised to assume power.
Pierre Poilievre has enjoyed most of the advantages of the mainstream Canadian middle class. Yet he’s long been the angriest man on the political stage. In The Making of Pierre Poilievre, bestselling author Mark Bourrie, winner of the Charles Taylor Prize, charts Poilievre’s rise through the political system, from teenage volunteer to outspoken Opposition leader known for cutting soundbites and theatrics. Bourrie shows how we arrived at this divisive moment in our history, one in which rippers are poised to capitalize on conflict. He shows how Poilievre and this new style of politics have gained so much ground—and warns of what it will cost us if they succeed.
Six weeks into the Covid pandemic, New York Times columnist David Brooks identified two types of Western rippers and weavers. Rippers, whether on the right or the left, see politics as war. They don’t care about the destruction that’s caused as they fight for power. Weavers are their people who try to fix things, who want to bring people together and try to build consensus. At the beginning of the pandemic, weavers seemed to be winning. Five years later, as Canada heads towards a pivotal election, that’s no longer the case. Across the border, a ripper is remaking the American government. And for the first time in its history, Canada has its own ripper poised to assume power.
Pierre Poilievre has enjoyed most of the advantages of the mainstream Canadian middle class. Yet he’s long been the angriest man on the political stage. In The Making of Pierre Poilievre, bestselling author Mark Bourrie, winner of the Charles Taylor Prize, charts Poilievre’s rise through the political system, from teenage volunteer to outspoken Opposition leader known for cutting soundbites and theatrics. Bourrie shows how we arrived at this divisive moment in our history, one in which rippers are poised to capitalize on conflict. He shows how Poilievre and this new style of politics have gained so much ground—and warns of what it will cost us if they succeed.
448 pages, Paperback
Published March 25, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 26, 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 has been set for April 28, 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 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!
With the election only a few days away, I wanted to squeeze in this book by Mark Bourrie, focused on the rise of Pierre Poilievre and the Trumpification of the Conservative Party of Canada. With great biographical moments and solid narrative about the larger political scene in Canada, Bourrie makes some great arguments about why Poilievre is a choice for national leader that might need a second thought. Poilievre show how he controls the narrative to ensure no others have their views clearly heard in a world where he cannot be wrong or play second fiddle. A sobering look at Canadian politics at an apt time.
Mark Bourrie spends much of the book exploring the rise of Pierre Poilievre, from local kid in Calgary to a hard-working political staffer in Ottawa. He latched onto the Reform wing of the Canadian conservative spectrum and was fed a healthy dose of Western Alienation while rubbing elbows with like-minded political figures in the movement. He clearly found his niche as he rose through the ranks and made a name for himself with some heavy-hitters, as well as those who have more recently fallen into disgrace, particularly in Alberta.
As Bourrie discusses throughout, Poilievre is always looking for an angle that puts him in the best light and seeks to present his opponents as villains, rather than trying to discuss matters. Known for his alliterative nature and slogan-heavy one-liners, Poilievre amassed supporters through division rather than Canadian strength. His conservative values are not lost throughout the various chapters of the book, though there is a looming veil of divisiveness in anything to which he attaches his name. This is seen by the attentive reader and Bourrie as an attempt to mirror Trump in the United States and not pay lip service to distancing from the fascistic American leader.
While Bourrie does discuss some of Poilievre’s time in government, serving a few minor portfolios in Stephen Harper’s mandates, there is more of the ignorance that shines through. Poilievre is more focused on trying to tear down policies and sow division, while pushing policies that seek to push Canadians apart, which is not leadership material or prime ministerial whatsoever. Yet, as the professional politician continues to assert, he is an alternative to the Trudeau decade, though much of the wind is out of his sails with the resignation of Canada’s prime minister ahead of the potential election battle Poilievre badly wanted.
While Canadians have been on a rollercoaster for the last few years, COVID aside, there is also a way to correct the course that does not rely on Trump-style xenophobia and transphobic shaming. Poilievre relies on this to assuage his base and keep the right-wing conservative sickness from healing itself. Change is needed, but a leader is essential, not a man who relies on bigotry and used car salesman antics, which Bourrie echoes throughout. Many who drink from the Kool-Aid Poilievre offers refuse to see the forest for the trees and lap up his ignorant lies, perhaps confused or simply blinded.
While I never hide my political stances, I also look to open my mind to new ideas. However, those ideas must be rooted in honesty and ideas that have merit, not racist or divisive nuggets whose only intent is to destroy. A man who cannot look at himself in the mirror except to check his greasy smile needs to be brought down a peg, which Mark Bourrie does in this book. The narrative, while not always chronological, is clear and its topics emerge effectively. Chapters are well paced and offer insightful information, while also pulling no punches. Like Bourrie, I choose not to remain neutral in my political views, but also must applaud the author for supporting his statements with examples and explanations, which is something Poilievre lacks when speaking out against something with which he does not agree. A great read and full of substantive subject matter to shed light on a man who prefers to toil in the shadows and cast aspersions on anyone who dares pull back the curtain.
Kudos, Mr. Bourrie, for a refreshing look at Pierre Poilievre and the vapid person he strives to be.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
With the election only a few days away, I wanted to squeeze in this book by Mark Bourrie, focused on the rise of Pierre Poilievre and the Trumpification of the Conservative Party of Canada. With great biographical moments and solid narrative about the larger political scene in Canada, Bourrie makes some great arguments about why Poilievre is a choice for national leader that might need a second thought. Poilievre show how he controls the narrative to ensure no others have their views clearly heard in a world where he cannot be wrong or play second fiddle. A sobering look at Canadian politics at an apt time.
Mark Bourrie spends much of the book exploring the rise of Pierre Poilievre, from local kid in Calgary to a hard-working political staffer in Ottawa. He latched onto the Reform wing of the Canadian conservative spectrum and was fed a healthy dose of Western Alienation while rubbing elbows with like-minded political figures in the movement. He clearly found his niche as he rose through the ranks and made a name for himself with some heavy-hitters, as well as those who have more recently fallen into disgrace, particularly in Alberta.
As Bourrie discusses throughout, Poilievre is always looking for an angle that puts him in the best light and seeks to present his opponents as villains, rather than trying to discuss matters. Known for his alliterative nature and slogan-heavy one-liners, Poilievre amassed supporters through division rather than Canadian strength. His conservative values are not lost throughout the various chapters of the book, though there is a looming veil of divisiveness in anything to which he attaches his name. This is seen by the attentive reader and Bourrie as an attempt to mirror Trump in the United States and not pay lip service to distancing from the fascistic American leader.
While Bourrie does discuss some of Poilievre’s time in government, serving a few minor portfolios in Stephen Harper’s mandates, there is more of the ignorance that shines through. Poilievre is more focused on trying to tear down policies and sow division, while pushing policies that seek to push Canadians apart, which is not leadership material or prime ministerial whatsoever. Yet, as the professional politician continues to assert, he is an alternative to the Trudeau decade, though much of the wind is out of his sails with the resignation of Canada’s prime minister ahead of the potential election battle Poilievre badly wanted.
While Canadians have been on a rollercoaster for the last few years, COVID aside, there is also a way to correct the course that does not rely on Trump-style xenophobia and transphobic shaming. Poilievre relies on this to assuage his base and keep the right-wing conservative sickness from healing itself. Change is needed, but a leader is essential, not a man who relies on bigotry and used car salesman antics, which Bourrie echoes throughout. Many who drink from the Kool-Aid Poilievre offers refuse to see the forest for the trees and lap up his ignorant lies, perhaps confused or simply blinded.
While I never hide my political stances, I also look to open my mind to new ideas. However, those ideas must be rooted in honesty and ideas that have merit, not racist or divisive nuggets whose only intent is to destroy. A man who cannot look at himself in the mirror except to check his greasy smile needs to be brought down a peg, which Mark Bourrie does in this book. The narrative, while not always chronological, is clear and its topics emerge effectively. Chapters are well paced and offer insightful information, while also pulling no punches. Like Bourrie, I choose not to remain neutral in my political views, but also must applaud the author for supporting his statements with examples and explanations, which is something Poilievre lacks when speaking out against something with which he does not agree. A great read and full of substantive subject matter to shed light on a man who prefers to toil in the shadows and cast aspersions on anyone who dares pull back the curtain.
Kudos, Mr. Bourrie, for a refreshing look at Pierre Poilievre and the vapid person he strives to be.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
April 26, 2025
A narcissistic populist, mendacious, ambitious, right wing conservative; more Trump-like than not, despite disavowal. (Just as the US has defunded Voice of America and US Agency for Global Media, USAID, and radio free Europe and Asia, Poilievre wants to defund the CBC.)
A must read in this bio is Poilievre’s direct participation in the WE Scandal; an opportunistic involvement that destroyed a global children’s charity - for the purpose of his own self aggrandizement. This in conjunction with his populist collaboration during the COVID Convoy.
A tireless focused political staffer, debater, rallier, and door knocker with a single minded populist vision, patriarchal, disliked by colleagues and staff; this is not the recipe for a Canadian Prime Minister, but prime for south of the 49th.
Despite the assiduous accumulation of YouTube clips he’s amassed for himself, the knowledgable use of social media tools does not a worthy leader make; a salesman perhaps.
Mark Bourrie’s biography paints a better balanced portrait of the man than Lawton’s biased product, using far superior writing skills.
We are greatly indebted to the author for the amount of deadline driven work done to get this edition out prior to the April 28th federal election. Thank you.
A must read in this bio is Poilievre’s direct participation in the WE Scandal; an opportunistic involvement that destroyed a global children’s charity - for the purpose of his own self aggrandizement. This in conjunction with his populist collaboration during the COVID Convoy.
A tireless focused political staffer, debater, rallier, and door knocker with a single minded populist vision, patriarchal, disliked by colleagues and staff; this is not the recipe for a Canadian Prime Minister, but prime for south of the 49th.
Despite the assiduous accumulation of YouTube clips he’s amassed for himself, the knowledgable use of social media tools does not a worthy leader make; a salesman perhaps.
Mark Bourrie’s biography paints a better balanced portrait of the man than Lawton’s biased product, using far superior writing skills.
We are greatly indebted to the author for the amount of deadline driven work done to get this edition out prior to the April 28th federal election. Thank you.
April 18, 2025
I guess I won't be voting for that guy.
March 29, 2025
Rippers
Mark Bourrie states that ‘’I am a staunch conservative’’ and defines what it means to be conservative. Pierre Poilievre is many things, but he is not a conservative. I believe Bourrie’s title ‘’Ripper’’, best sums up what Poilievre is. ‘’Rippers, whether on the left or right, see politics as war, that gives their lives meaning. Weavers are the opposite: they try to fix things by bringing people together and building consensus’’.
If you’re interested in the history of Canadian Politics and the future of Canada, you need to read this book.
Poilievre has been passionate about politics since his early teens. He has never had any other job and hasn’t had any University education. He is said to be both the hardest working MP and the angriest politician in Ottawa. He is leagues ahead of any other political party in developing a social media platform, posting over 3000 YouTube videos in 2024. He has over 1/2 million followers and his team travelled to the US to meet with Republicans to understand and use Trumps tactics. He is a master of the ‘’short, sharp soundbite’’.
In Canada and other countries, opponents to populist politicians have yet to figure out an effective way to challenge and counter these short sharp soundbites, misinformation and lies.
The story of the WE Charity scandal is one of the most telling stories about who Poilievre is. His relentless attacks on Marc and Craig Keilburger and the misinformation he presented to vilify and destroy them speak to his willingness to seek political gain despite knowing they were innocent and he was dismantling one of the best organizations supporting young people during the pandemic.
I would recommend skipping the introduction and reading the chapters first, then finishing with the introduction.
Mark Bourrie states that ‘’I am a staunch conservative’’ and defines what it means to be conservative. Pierre Poilievre is many things, but he is not a conservative. I believe Bourrie’s title ‘’Ripper’’, best sums up what Poilievre is. ‘’Rippers, whether on the left or right, see politics as war, that gives their lives meaning. Weavers are the opposite: they try to fix things by bringing people together and building consensus’’.
If you’re interested in the history of Canadian Politics and the future of Canada, you need to read this book.
Poilievre has been passionate about politics since his early teens. He has never had any other job and hasn’t had any University education. He is said to be both the hardest working MP and the angriest politician in Ottawa. He is leagues ahead of any other political party in developing a social media platform, posting over 3000 YouTube videos in 2024. He has over 1/2 million followers and his team travelled to the US to meet with Republicans to understand and use Trumps tactics. He is a master of the ‘’short, sharp soundbite’’.
In Canada and other countries, opponents to populist politicians have yet to figure out an effective way to challenge and counter these short sharp soundbites, misinformation and lies.
The story of the WE Charity scandal is one of the most telling stories about who Poilievre is. His relentless attacks on Marc and Craig Keilburger and the misinformation he presented to vilify and destroy them speak to his willingness to seek political gain despite knowing they were innocent and he was dismantling one of the best organizations supporting young people during the pandemic.
I would recommend skipping the introduction and reading the chapters first, then finishing with the introduction.
May 6, 2025
4.5*
Some quick thoughts:
-"The government you elect is the government you deserve" being the line that opened this book as I started reading the night before the election definitely made me uneasy!
-I really think everybody should read this. especially conservative party loyalists but I know that'll never happen, even though this is written by a conservative.
-borrowed this from the library, but I may have to purchase on kindle simply to be able to 1. add all of my highlights here and 2. be able to pull this out to show anybody that tries to talk politics with me
-I already knew I didn't like Pierre from what I did know of him, but this confirmed it when learning more about his past, political beginnings, Harper era things I never knew about bc I was a child, etc.
-highlights the similarities between him/this era of the CPC to Trump, and how/why they've ended up there.
-there were multiple times I had to giggle because we now know how the election turned out. "Pundits described Carleton as one of the safest Tory seats in Canada" hahahahahaha
-many other things to say but I'll stop for now
Some quick thoughts:
-"The government you elect is the government you deserve" being the line that opened this book as I started reading the night before the election definitely made me uneasy!
-I really think everybody should read this. especially conservative party loyalists but I know that'll never happen, even though this is written by a conservative.
-borrowed this from the library, but I may have to purchase on kindle simply to be able to 1. add all of my highlights here and 2. be able to pull this out to show anybody that tries to talk politics with me
-I already knew I didn't like Pierre from what I did know of him, but this confirmed it when learning more about his past, political beginnings, Harper era things I never knew about bc I was a child, etc.
-highlights the similarities between him/this era of the CPC to Trump, and how/why they've ended up there.
-there were multiple times I had to giggle because we now know how the election turned out. "Pundits described Carleton as one of the safest Tory seats in Canada" hahahahahaha
-many other things to say but I'll stop for now
October 10, 2025
3.5 stars. I agree with some other reviews that this book seemed rushed. However the writing style is fairly compelling and the book contains valuable information and analysis.
May 1, 2025
Absolutely a must-read for any Canadian who is watching what is going on in politics these days. As a baby boomer I’ve watched in horror and confusion the changes in the Conservative Party and political discourse in general. This book has confirmed a lot of my worst suspicions. Very much recommend.
May 4, 2025
Written by a Conservative journalist, this book analyzes Pierre Poilievre’s life as a career politician. Mark Bourrie posits that in politics, there are “rippers” and “weavers.” Rippers are those who propagate and capitalize on fear, while weavers attempt to bring people together and mend what is broken. Bourrie argues that our contemporary political climate provides fertile ground for politicians like Poilievre to spread their tentacles, finding the cracks to pit people against each other and further divide Canadian citizens. I learned a lot about how Canadian politics operate and how things have shifted, the Conservative Party a far cry from what it used to be.
I will add that if you are a Conservative who is skeptical of or averse to any criticism of Poilievre, a book written by a fellow conservative might challenge the notion that the only people who don’t agree with or support him are the “woke, radical libs.”
I will add that if you are a Conservative who is skeptical of or averse to any criticism of Poilievre, a book written by a fellow conservative might challenge the notion that the only people who don’t agree with or support him are the “woke, radical libs.”
December 20, 2025
A much more nuanced and, I would say accurate, portrayal of not only how Poilievre got to where he is and who he is, but also a good inside look at Canadian politics, than Andrew Lawton's book on the same theme, which I read first. But Bourrie is a historian, while Lawton is a right-wing journalist.
June 11, 2025
A fascinating look into the political development of Pierre. Definitely glad he’s not PM and provides lots of insight into his strategies and behaviour. Canadians should read this book, very enlightening!
April 27, 2025
A biography that delves into the life and political career of Pierre Poilievre.Known for its in-depth exploration of Poilievre's personality, his political strategies, and his rise to prominence in Canadian politics. It's a detailed account of his journey, from his early days in politics to his current position as a leading figure in the Conservative Party.
Pierre Poilievre. The book explores his life and political career, focusing on his rise to prominence in Canadian politics. his political strategies, and his rise to prominence in Canadian politics. It's a detailed account of his journey, from his early days in politics to his current position as a leading figure in the Conservative Party.
Pierre Poilievre. The book explores his life and political career, focusing on his rise to prominence in Canadian politics. his political strategies, and his rise to prominence in Canadian politics. It's a detailed account of his journey, from his early days in politics to his current position as a leading figure in the Conservative Party.
May 5, 2025
3.5 stars
The opening epigraph from Thomas Jefferson serves as a warning:
”The government you elect is the government you deserve.”
Ripper was published just before our recent federal election. A timely read for scary times.
The book begins with the biography and early political career of Pierre Poilievre, before moving to contemporary events. I found the latter parts of the book to be more interesting. PP’s actions and record show us what he really stands for.
-PP’s involvement in “Wrecking the WE Charity”
-his support of “The Convoy”
-the meaning of his slogans about Canada being broken
-the talk and the reality of PP’s “Trolling (for) the Working Class”
-PP’s war against the media
-and the similarities between PP and Trump.
It is obvious that the author isn’t a fan of Poilievre (and says as much), but the book is well documented and serves as a good reminder of all the political things PP has done.
The opening epigraph from Thomas Jefferson serves as a warning:
”The government you elect is the government you deserve.”
Ripper was published just before our recent federal election. A timely read for scary times.
The book begins with the biography and early political career of Pierre Poilievre, before moving to contemporary events. I found the latter parts of the book to be more interesting. PP’s actions and record show us what he really stands for.
-PP’s involvement in “Wrecking the WE Charity”
-his support of “The Convoy”
-the meaning of his slogans about Canada being broken
-the talk and the reality of PP’s “Trolling (for) the Working Class”
-PP’s war against the media
-and the similarities between PP and Trump.
It is obvious that the author isn’t a fan of Poilievre (and says as much), but the book is well documented and serves as a good reminder of all the political things PP has done.
April 6, 2025
I understand Bourrie had to write like a maniac to get this out early. So I'll cut him some slack for that.
But there are some parts where, frankly, some judicious editing might've helped.
That said, Bourrie does try to be even-handed. He says in private Poilievre is a decent person. He also praises his work ethic and his support of families with children on the spectrum.
Overall, though, the portrait of Poilievre and of modern conservatism makes for pretty grim reading.
But there are some parts where, frankly, some judicious editing might've helped.
That said, Bourrie does try to be even-handed. He says in private Poilievre is a decent person. He also praises his work ethic and his support of families with children on the spectrum.
Overall, though, the portrait of Poilievre and of modern conservatism makes for pretty grim reading.
May 7, 2025
I spent a lot of time reading words during this book. Lots of pretentious words and obtuse descriptions strung together. To get through this book I certainly needed a timeline and glossary and because the author didn’t provide them and his editing wasn’t tight I wasn’t getting where he was going. This book could have used several more edits but got pushed out to capitalize on Pierre’s name and face. (IMO).
Maybe this was the difference between my expectations and its reality but what I didn’t expect was a data dump of all the political things this author knows. If this was a book titled ‘rippers and weavers’ and walked us through Canadian politics, this book likely would have gotten a higher rating from me and I’d be reading it. However, it’s not. This book is akin to driving down the road, stopping your car (in traffic) getting out and kicking a dog and then continuing on your merry way. And this author says Pierre is a mean-spirited guy.
Again, maybe it was my expectations but I didn’t see a cohesive argument throughout the book nor throughout individual chapters. There were huge sections where I didn’t understand what we were talking about or why. And to be clear: this author could have made a point but he didn’t. Timelines were right out of the window with neither a timeline from Pierre’s beginning to present nor any kind of adherence to time in an argument - we’d jump back and forth to pull in information to be left with it.
Now, if the overall point was for me to see what dirty politics Pierre plays, then: mission accomplished. However, the author side-steps and tiptoes around the foundation of Canadian politics: there’s a leading party and there’s opposition and the opposition’s goal is to poke holes in the leading party’s ideas. And while he doesn’t want to, this author outlines Pierre’s skills masterfully. The authors agenda though appears to be to ‘play Pierre’s game’ without Pierre being able to say anything back for once. Isn’t that pot calling the kettle black or something?
Maybe this was the difference between my expectations and its reality but what I didn’t expect was a data dump of all the political things this author knows. If this was a book titled ‘rippers and weavers’ and walked us through Canadian politics, this book likely would have gotten a higher rating from me and I’d be reading it. However, it’s not. This book is akin to driving down the road, stopping your car (in traffic) getting out and kicking a dog and then continuing on your merry way. And this author says Pierre is a mean-spirited guy.
Again, maybe it was my expectations but I didn’t see a cohesive argument throughout the book nor throughout individual chapters. There were huge sections where I didn’t understand what we were talking about or why. And to be clear: this author could have made a point but he didn’t. Timelines were right out of the window with neither a timeline from Pierre’s beginning to present nor any kind of adherence to time in an argument - we’d jump back and forth to pull in information to be left with it.
Now, if the overall point was for me to see what dirty politics Pierre plays, then: mission accomplished. However, the author side-steps and tiptoes around the foundation of Canadian politics: there’s a leading party and there’s opposition and the opposition’s goal is to poke holes in the leading party’s ideas. And while he doesn’t want to, this author outlines Pierre’s skills masterfully. The authors agenda though appears to be to ‘play Pierre’s game’ without Pierre being able to say anything back for once. Isn’t that pot calling the kettle black or something?
May 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, although the content makes for some grim reading when one considers how many Canadians voted for this guy.
The key takeaway, for me, was that he has not changed his political outlook since he was in his teens. In other words, 20+ years of lived experience have had no appreciable impact on his world view. He's either completely intransigent, or is unable to assess and assimilate different viewpoints. The only area in which he has 'grown' over those years is in his ability to rage farm a gullible population. Not a good look for a leader.
The key takeaway, for me, was that he has not changed his political outlook since he was in his teens. In other words, 20+ years of lived experience have had no appreciable impact on his world view. He's either completely intransigent, or is unable to assess and assimilate different viewpoints. The only area in which he has 'grown' over those years is in his ability to rage farm a gullible population. Not a good look for a leader.
July 22, 2025
The first few chapters seem to be your standard biography -- using the life of the subject to also create a picture of the time period and political climate of opinion. Nothing exceptional but a quick easy but informative read, 3 -4 stars. And then it goes off the rails.
The chapter on the Me to We scandal is where the author started to lose me. The volunteer program proposed by Trudeau was clearly a bad idea and to use the Me to We organization to facilitate it was even a worse idea. Nobody including the Kielburger brothers should be given a break yet the author paints them almost saint-like, scolds Trudeau and then lumps Charlie Angus with Poilievre. Clearly Poilievre was an ass but there was legitimate criticism for this nonsensical idea. And by then, Me to We had passed from a young man's attempt to make the world a better place to a professional charity with questionable practises.
The next chapter was entitled Is Canada Broken. On one hand it's legitimate to discuss the assertions made by Poilievre but he doesn't enter the discussion until half way through the chapter. He should be the vehicle to discuss the assertion not be an after thought. This is followed by a discussion on the media. From that point, the book meanders between biography and a political discussion; an extended op ed. All sense of timelines and Poilievre's life seems lost.
Clearly the book was rushed to beat the election and the conclusion does seem to have the reader's vote in mind. Not a definitive biography of Poilievre
The chapter on the Me to We scandal is where the author started to lose me. The volunteer program proposed by Trudeau was clearly a bad idea and to use the Me to We organization to facilitate it was even a worse idea. Nobody including the Kielburger brothers should be given a break yet the author paints them almost saint-like, scolds Trudeau and then lumps Charlie Angus with Poilievre. Clearly Poilievre was an ass but there was legitimate criticism for this nonsensical idea. And by then, Me to We had passed from a young man's attempt to make the world a better place to a professional charity with questionable practises.
The next chapter was entitled Is Canada Broken. On one hand it's legitimate to discuss the assertions made by Poilievre but he doesn't enter the discussion until half way through the chapter. He should be the vehicle to discuss the assertion not be an after thought. This is followed by a discussion on the media. From that point, the book meanders between biography and a political discussion; an extended op ed. All sense of timelines and Poilievre's life seems lost.
Clearly the book was rushed to beat the election and the conclusion does seem to have the reader's vote in mind. Not a definitive biography of Poilievre
December 30, 2025
Bourrie is an incredibly engaging writer and this biography about a man who almost became Canada's prime minister was sorely needed. However: this is more a broad sweeping over view of Poilievre's career. This doesn't really delve into his psychology or talk to insiders who are close to the man himself. As a reader this leaves kind of a gap for me as to why Poilievre swung so hard right (is he a true believer? Or a political animal operating out of pure power). Also leaves huge gaps as to his team and how he can inspire such loyalty. His former partner and long term political ally Jenni Byrne is also mentioned frequently but little is said (or known) about their personal relationship though they have a decades long one.
The book was also rushed to publication and that shows a bit in repeated anecdotes. That said Bourrie is a funny writer (he denies being a hater but his contempt for Poilievre's politics is undenied and apparent). A solid read even if it left me wanting more.
The book was also rushed to publication and that shows a bit in repeated anecdotes. That said Bourrie is a funny writer (he denies being a hater but his contempt for Poilievre's politics is undenied and apparent). A solid read even if it left me wanting more.
July 26, 2025
I was determined to learn more about Poilievre who came pretty close to winning the Federal Election & also wanted to know why he is passionately supported by people that I know. This book details Poilievre's political career, the policies he has supported, the below the belt & often dishonest tactics he has used to discredit others, & so on, honestly quite an eye opener & a worthwhile read & I can certainly stick to my gun & never vote for a conservative!
June 4, 2025
Wow, this book is a hit piece and could of been ghost written by Justin Trudeau, Katie Telford or Mark Carney. It is so biased and frankly dishonest, and I do not recommend it. Is it a coincidence it came out just prior to the election?
July 6, 2025
I am not a partisan person at all, but I never understood how anyone thought this sentient temper tantrum would get the Conservatives over the line. Bourrie perfectly elucidates why, and absolutely everyone should read this.
October 1, 2025
An e-book, the references through libby were difficult to access. The writing and subject was compelling, dog whistles indeed. Thank you for shining the light on a truly unsavory, vulgar and nasty individual. The dark side has emerged.
October 5, 2025
Well, then.
"The love of power is the demon of mankind." - Friedrich Nietzsche
Regardless of this book being mostly about Pierre Pollievre, it shone a light on the desire of power for others, what the do to get it, and what they do when they have it.
"The love of power is the demon of mankind." - Friedrich Nietzsche
Regardless of this book being mostly about Pierre Pollievre, it shone a light on the desire of power for others, what the do to get it, and what they do when they have it.
December 24, 2025
This was such a well written book. Required reading for anyone ahead of the next federal election. Even if Poilievre loses his leadership review, there are many Conservative MPs who would follow his playbook.
May 1, 2025
A well written biography which helped me make up my mind about Pierre Poilievre.
June 21, 2025
As I thought, the book didn't disappoint me: the "main character" is a Canadian vision of the reincarnation of the US Senator Huey P. Long, the pure opportunistic & greedy to power timeserver.
July 28, 2025
Very insightful
August 4, 2025
Wow! I think I need a few days to digest all that I read here. The author covers a lot and really breaks down what I was seeing but was not able to put to words.
October 11, 2025
Seeing everything you’ve witnessed over the years pulled together into a clear timeline really reinforces how bad Ottawa politics has gotten.
Currently reading
October 30, 2025I'm halfway through the introduction and I will venture to say that this author lives in a social bubble.
June 1, 2025
Grim but essential reading. Explains how we got to the place of disinformation we are now.
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