Two Weeks Out, Canada Election 2025: On Carney "Hiding", Broken Election Rules, Tax Havens and Button-gate
Article on the topics covered in Episode 120 of The Bill Kelly Podcast.
As I sit down to write this, we are two weeks out from what may be the most consequential election in Canadian history—April 28th is coming fast, and the political chessboard is shifting daily.
Let’s start where everyone else seems to be starting these days: the latest polling numbers. According to Nanos—and let’s be honest, just about every other polling outlet under the sun—the Liberals are gaining ground. That five-point lead they had over the Conservatives last week? It’s now 7.5 points.
Now, before anyone starts chanting “don’t trust the polls,” let’s rewind a few months. Remember when the Conservatives were up by 21 points? They had no issue quoting the numbers back then. But now that the tide’s turned? Suddenly, polls are “unreliable.” Funny how that works.
Look, we’re not here to cheerlead. We’re here to bring the facts to the table so you can make an informed decision—because this election matters. Maybe more than any other in this country's modern history.
The Business Backing of Pierre Poilievre
Over the weekend, you might’ve noticed an open letter in several major Canadian newspapers—yes, some still exist in print—signed by 33 current and former business executives. The letter gives a full-throated endorsement of Pierre Poilievre for Prime Minister.
Their reasoning? Well, the main justification was Donald Trump’s threats of tariffs, and how Pierre’s “do nothing” approach is, in their eyes, somehow brilliant. Let Trump do what he wants, they say. That’s leadership? I don’t know about you, but I’m not convinced.
And this “Canada Strong and Free” conference over the weekend? One of their keynote speakers was Robert Lighthizer, Trump’s former chief NAFTA negotiator. No public comments from him, but enough leaked out to make the intent clear: let Trump roll over us, and hope for the best.
Come on. That’s not leadership—that’s surrender.
And let’s not ignore the elephant in the room here: Poilievre is bending over backward trying to distance himself from Trump—but then he brings in Trump’s right-hand man on trade? As the old saying goes, you’re known by the company you keep.
That “Bold” Business Letter? Let’s Be Real.
Some Conservative strategists are calling this letter a “bold” political move. Really? Paul Godfrey’s on that list—a longtime Conservative powerbroker—alongside others who’ve quietly funneled money into Conservative campaigns for years.
This isn’t a sudden revelation. These folks were always going to back Poilievre. Putting their names in print just makes it official. The ad’s real purpose? Damage control. The Conservatives are slipping in the polls, and this is an attempt to rally Bay Street—not Main Street.
Meanwhile, Where’s the “Hidden” Carney?
Poilievre’s camp is accusing Mark Carney of hiding. Hiding? Really?
Let’s put this in perspective. Carney, Prime Minister Carney, was in Ottawa last week, meeting with his Cabinet, the Canada-U.S. Trade Advisory Board, and even leaders from Japan and the European Union, all strategizing around Trump’s looming tariff threats.
That’s called governing. That’s what leaders do during economic crises—they consult, they plan, they act. They don’t just shout slogans into a camera and call it a day.
And if you missed it: when the global selloff of U.S. bonds hit last week—crippling Trump’s economic play—it wasn’t a fluke. Word is, Carney, Japan’s PM, and EU leadership pulled the trigger. You want to talk about strategy? That’s it.
Ethics, Elections & Pierre’s Paper Trail
Now let’s address a question that came in from one of our subscribers: Does Pierre Poilievre have a compliance agreement with Elections Canada?
Short answer: Yes.
Longer answer: He’s the first sitting MP to ever sign one.
The compliance agreement stems from Election Act violations—robo-calls, sketchy fundraising practices, the works. Elections Canada opted not to prosecute, so long as he plays nice going forward. But let’s not gloss over this: he was found in non-compliance with election laws.
So, Pierre’s not exactly in a position to play ethics cop.
And speaking of transparency: Poilievre’s investment portfolio, allegedly managed by Brookfield—yes, the same firm Carney once worked for—raises even more questions. We don’t know how much he’s worth (some estimates say $15-20 million, which, for a career MP, is curious), nor how that money’s being sheltered.
But here’s the kicker: those tax loopholes? They were legalized under Stephen Harper’s government, with—you guessed it—Pierre Poilievre sitting at the Cabinet table. The same guy now railing against them. Can’t have it both ways, Pierre.
Dirty Tricks and Dumb Moves
And finally—because what’s an election without a little scandal—we’ve got the latest entry in the “what were they thinking?” file.
Over the weekend, Liberal campaign staffers reportedly planted MAGA-themed buttons around a Conservative convention in Ottawa, hoping attendees would unknowingly wear them and create a PR mess. Childish? Absolutely. But what’s worse? They bragged about it in a public bar—Darcy McGee’s, no less. Where the media lives.
And just like that, it’s a story. Carney’s apologized. But it’s a good reminder: Rule #1 in politics? Don’t do something stupid.
Look, as we barrel toward election day, the noise is only going to get louder. But cut through it. Ask yourself:
Who’s showing real leadership?
Who understands the economy?
Who’s offering substance instead of soundbites?
We’ll be live-streaming the English-language leaders’ debate this Thursday, and I hope you’ll join us. Details are on the site. Send in your questions, be part of the conversation.
Until then, stay engaged, stay critical, and above all—stay informed.
Thanks for reading.
—Bill
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FURTHER READING
Commissioner of Canada Elections Enters into Compliance Agreement with Pierre Poilievre
Online bot campaign backing Pierre Poilievre prompts call for probe by election commissioner: NDP writes letter to elections commissioner calling for an investigation
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/rci/en/news/2094986/poilievre-rally-kirkland-conservative-bots
Michael Sona sentenced to 9 months in jail for 'callous' robocalls: Former Conservative staffer sentenced to 9 months plus a year on probation for 'blatant' crime
Ex-staffer for Canada's ruling Conservatives jailed in robocalls case (Reuters)
Michael Sona found guilty in Guelph robocall affair
https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/michael-sona-found-guilty-in-guelph-robocall-affair/
Ex-Tory staffer convicted in ‘robocalls’ scandal now facing assault charges in Ottawa
Conservative MPs attack Carney for his work at Brookfield. They also invested in its companies: Deputy leader Melissa Lantsman held an undisclosed number of shares in 2024, documents show