Key Takeaways
- Pierre Poilievre opposes central bank digital currencies and supports Bitcoin and other digital assets.
- Poilievre advocates favorable regulations for blockchain companies and sees crypto as a hedge against economic instability.
Pierre Poilievre, leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, has positioned himself as a prominent advocate for crypto and DeFi as he emerged as a leading candidate for prime minister following Justin Trudeau’s resignation.
Poilievre joined a crypto podcast hosted in February 2022 by Robert Breedlove, a Bitcoin advocate known for making controversial comparisons between central bank policies and historical atrocities.
During the show, Poilievre shared that he and his wife often watch Breedlove’s crypto YouTube channel “until late at night.”
“I find it extremely informative,” he said, adding that they learned a lot about Bitcoin and monetary issues from the host.
The conservative leader demonstrated his commitment to digital assets by investing in the Purpose Bitcoin ETF in 2022, although his current holdings are not made public. according to CTV News. His platform includes creating favorable regulations for blockchain companies and treating crypto assets as commodities for tax purposes.
Poilivre has actively opposed the central bank’s implementation of digital currencies (CBDC), supporting Bill C-400 to regulate CBDCs while advocating for Canadians’ right to use Bitcoin and other digital assets.
“The government is ruining the Canadian dollar, so Canadians should have the freedom to use other money, like bitcoin,” Poilievre said in a 2022 report. statement.
“Canada needs less financial control for politicians and bankers and more financial freedom for its people. That includes the freedom to own and use crypto, tokens, smart contracts and decentralized finance.”
Prediction markets show varying predictions about Poilievre’s election chances, with Polymarket indicating an 89% probability of victory, while other platforms such as Kalshi predict lower odds.
Poilievre’s position marks a departure from Trudeau’s more cautious approach to digital assets, which includes banning certain crypto wallets linked to protests.
Since entering parliament in 2004, Poilievre has advocated for less government intervention and greater economic independence, promoting a vision in which Canadians can opt out of inflation through crypto use.
