On January 7, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation, following the departure of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre is now the primary contender for Canada's next prime minister, gaining strong support from the cryptocurrency community due to his pro-innovation and pro-Bitcoin stance.
Poilievre’s Bitcoin Advocacy
Poilievre has been a vocal supporter of Bitcoin for some time. In 2022, he purchased a shawarma using Bitcoin in Ontario, showcasing his support for cryptocurrencies. He has also advocated for Canada to become the "blockchain capital of the world" and criticized inflation caused by government spending. Recently, he voiced opposition to the introduction of a central bank digital currency in Canada.
Poilievre’s Election Prospects
According to Polymarket, Poilievre’s chance to become Canada’s next prime minister stands at 89%, significantly ahead of his nearest rival, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland at 6.5%.
Vancouver’s Bitcoin-Friendly Approach
On December 11, Vancouver’s city council passed a motion proposed by Mayor Ken Sim to explore holding Bitcoin in reserve and accepting cryptocurrency payments for municipal services, aiming to maintain the city's financial stability.
With Justin Trudeau's resignation, Pierre Poilievre has emerged as a prime candidate for the Canadian prime ministership. His support for Bitcoin and innovation could play a significant role in his election campaign and in the future development of cryptocurrencies in the nation.