How A First-Time Politician Defeated Canada's PM Candidate Pierre Poilievre In His Own Riding

NDTV

01-05-2025

Quick Take
Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed.
Bruce Fanjoy, a Liberal newcomer, stunned by defeating Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre in Carleton, ending his 20-year MP tenure. Fanjoy's positive campaign, door-knocking, and Poilievre's perceived absence led to this significant win.
In a stunning upset, Bruce Fanjoy, a stay-at-home dad and Liberal candidate, has defeated Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party, in the Carleton electoral district, with over 4,300 votes. This remarkable victory not only marked the end of Poilievre's 20-year tenure as the MP for Carleton but also dealt a significant blow to his bid for prime minister.
Fanjoy's campaign was built on a foundation of positivity and hard work. "We ran a positive campaign, in remarkable contrast to Pierre's style of politics," he told Politico Magazine. "We attracted a small army of volunteers, and as the campaign carried on, more and more people believed in what we were doing." Fanjoy's dedication to his constituents was evident in his door-knocking efforts, which began in 2023. "I wore through two pairs of sneakers and a pair of boots," he recalled.
The turning point in the campaign came when Donald Trump's threats against Canada began to escalate. "There was a sea change in what I was hearing at the doors," Fanjoy said. "Canadians recognised we were facing another U.S. administration led by Donald Trump and some of his hostile rhetoric toward Canada, our economy, and our political sovereignty." This shift in public opinion, combined with Poilievre's perceived absence from the riding, ultimately sealed his fate.
Fanjoy attributed his success to his team's tireless efforts and Poilievre's complacency. "We outworked him," he said. "We were present, we were all over the riding, and we were connecting with voters. People appreciated the fact that we were present and that we offered a positive alternative to Pierre." Fanjoy also noted that Poilievre's absence from the riding was a significant factor in his defeat. "If there was one surprise that I had in this campaign in Carleton, it's that Pierre barely showed up," he said. "After all his time as MP, he took the riding for granted, and nobody likes to be taken for granted."
As a first-time politician, Fanjoy remains committed to his values and principles. "I know who I am, and I'm going to be true to my values," he said. "I grew up playing competitive sports, I had a career in the private sector, so I understand what it's like to compete." Fanjoy's victory is seen as a referendum on Poilievre's leadership style and a rejection of his conservative ideology. "The result is very clear that Canadians want responsible leadership," Fanjoy said. "They want serious leadership, and this is no time to be flirting with the kind of politics that we're seeing down to the south."
With the Liberal Party now forming a minority government, Fanjoy expects the party to govern with principle and in the best interests of Canadians. "We'll govern with principle, we'll govern in the best interests of Canadians," he said. "This Liberal government is filled with people who are committed to their communities and committed to this country."