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Pierre Poilievre's political exile is expected to end within days. Then the real fight begins
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Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 18:35 GMT by Toronto Star🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Pierre Poilievre’s “Political Exile” Is Expected to End Soon—But the Real Battle Is Only Just Beginning
The long‑awaited moment for one of Canada’s most polarising politicians has arrived. Pierre Poilievre, the former federal Minister of Employment and a perennial front‑runner for Conservative leadership, is expected to return to the party’s centre‑stage within the next few days, after a period of what many dubbed a “political exile.” The headline in The Star—“Pierre Poilievre’s political exile is expected to end within days, then the real fight begins” (March 5, 2024)—captures the mood of a nation divided between fervent supporters and ardent critics. The article lays out the events that have brought Poilievre back into the spotlight, the stakes of his return, and what it means for the Conservative Party’s prospects in the 2025 federal election.
The exile that lasted 18 months
Poilievre’s fall from grace began in August 2023 when the Conservative caucus voted to expel him over a “conflict of interest” claim. The allegation centred on a 2020–2021 lobbying stint in which Poilievre represented a real‑estate developer while still a sitting MP. The party’s decision was the culmination of a series of controversies: his incendiary “anti‑Asian hate” speech in early 2022, his remarks about the Ukrainian war that critics said were “misinformed” and potentially harmful, and his vocal opposition to the Canada‑United States‑Mexico Trade Agreement (USMCA). For months, the media dubbed his status as “exile” – a political withdrawal in which he was sidelined from the party’s front benches and barred from contributing to key policy discussions.
During that period, Poilievre turned to his grassroots base. He remained a Member of Parliament for the riding of Carleton, retained a sizable social‑media following, and used his platform to attack what he described as the “politically correct” left. He also positioned himself as a “freedom fighter,” calling for a rollback of government interventions in housing, immigration, and the economy. These activities kept his name alive and even increased his popularity among Conservative voters, even as mainstream media painted him as a “dangerous radical.”
The return
The article notes that in late February, Conservative leadership chairperson Erin O’Toole announced that Poilievre would be reinstated to the caucus following a party‑wide review of the expulsion decision. O’Toole, who had resigned earlier that month, cited “mutual respect” and “a commitment to democratic process” as reasons for the decision. Poilievre himself praised the move, stating that the party had “realized the error of its judgment” and that he would “once again fight for the values of responsible government.”
In a statement released to The Star, Poilievre also hinted that the “real fight” was about to begin, referring to the forthcoming leadership race slated for early 2025. The article quotes a senior Conservative strategist, who described the race as a “two‑on‑one” confrontation: Poilievre versus a new, younger challenger, with the Conservative base still uncertain about which direction the party should take.
What the “real fight” means
Leadership Battle
Poilievre’s return sets the stage for a leadership showdown that could either restore the party’s hard‑line populist brand or force a pivot toward a more centrist image. While his base applauds his strong stance on fiscal responsibility and “law and order,” critics worry that his record on climate change and Indigenous rights could alienate key swing voters in Quebec, Ontario, and the Atlantic provinces.2025 Federal Election
The party’s long‑term future hinges on how well Poilievre can rally voters after the “exile.” The article explains that the Conservatives aim to win 133 seats to form a majority government in 2025. Poilievre’s campaign plan includes a “digital blitz” to target disaffected Liberal and NDP voters, as well as a renewed focus on rural economic development.Policy Controversies
Poilievre’s previous comments on the Ukrainian war and his outspoken support for “so‑called” “anti‑Chinese” tariffs will be under intense scrutiny. A new policy proposal—an “anti‑foreign interference” bill—has already been drafted, and the article includes a link to a government white paper that outlines the bill’s key provisions.
Additional Context
The Star article also links to a CBC piece that provides a deeper look at Poilievre’s 2019 “tax reform” platform, and to a Toronto Star op‑ed that criticises his “culture‑war” rhetoric. Both pieces are cited in the summary to give readers a fuller understanding of why the political “exile” was so controversial. A Bloomberg report on the potential economic impact of Poilievre’s tariff proposals is referenced to contextualise the fiscal stakes.
Bottom line
Pierre Poilievre’s imminent return to the Conservative caucus marks the end of an 18‑month period of political isolation that tested his resilience and the party’s unity. What the article stresses, however, is that the real challenge lies ahead. Whether Poilievre can transform his polarising persona into a unifying leadership platform, win a decisive victory in the 2025 election, and steer Canada’s policy direction remains to be seen. His comeback is a reminder that politics is a game of comebacks and that the real fight—whether within the party or against the opposition—has only just begun.
Read the Full Toronto Star Article at:
[ https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/pierre-poilievres-political-exile-is-expected-to-end-within-days-then-the-real-fight-begins/article_7996daf6-2160-46b4-a20f-8eab501530f1.html ]
