What is Pierre Poilievre's role in Canada's political landscape as he aims to succeed Justin Trudeau as prime minister?

In the upcoming election, whoever succeeds Justin Trudeau as Liberal Party leader will face Official Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre, whose Conservative Party has nearly three times the support of committed voters (47% compared to 18% for the Liberals).

In 2004, Poilievre, a 45-year-old Calgary native, was first elected to the House of Commons. He later became the leader of the Canadian Conservatives in 2022 and has seen his party's popularity rise as Canadians have grown disillusioned with 53-year-old Trudeau, whose Liberals came to power in 2015.

In a recent interview with Jordan Peterson, Poilievre accused the Liberals of governing with an "extremely radical ideology" that is "basically authoritarian socialism," while also emphasizing the importance of bringing home the Canadian dream.

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Poilievre's goal is to "make Canada great again," as Trudeau has stated, likening the Tory leader to incoming U.S. President Trump and his "Make America Great Again" slogan.

In an interview with CTV News before Christmas, Poilievre stated that he possesses both the strength and intelligence to defend his country and convey to incoming President Trump that Canada will never become the 51st state of the U.S.

In his interview with Peterson, Poilievre admitted that Trump, who has proposed a 25% tariff on Canadian exports, is known for being an aggressive negotiator who enjoys winning. However, as prime minister, Poilievre stated that he would aim to achieve a deal that would benefit both countries and make them safer, wealthier, and stronger.

Poilievre stated that he would expedite the approval process for constructing oil refineries, liquefied natural gas plants, and nuclear facilities, and enhance Canada's electricity surplus with the U.S.

The Conservative leader stated that a Poilievre-led government would launch a historic crackdown on crime and that habitual offenders would no longer be released from jail.

The Canadian Conservatives' 2023 policy document outlines their plan to renegotiate the Safe Third Country Agreement with the U.S. to address illegal entries into Canada and recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Canada's embassy in Israel is currently located in Tel Aviv.

In a statement released in response to Trudeau's resignation on Monday, Poilievre stated that "this change nothing" and that a Conservative Canadian government would "regain control over our border, immigration, spending, deficits, and inflation. Regain control over our streets by imprisoning criminals, banning drugs, treating addiction, and stopping gun smugglers."

Poilievre stated that the Conservatives would secure borders, rearm our forces, restore our freedom, and put Canada First.