2025: The Year in Political Personalities and Upsets

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It’s been quite the year. Justin Trudeau’s decision to step down in early January sparked what felt like several years of major developments crammed into a few short months: Mark Carney’s entry into the Liberal leadership race, his win and lightning-fast election call, the reversal in Pierre Poilievre’s support. Here are the stories to keep in mind while heading into the new year:

 

Who Is Mark Carney, Really? BY MARK BOURRIE We hired the guy with the best résumé. He’s now using power in ways few other prime ministers have dared

Poilievre Prepares for His Second Act BY MICHAEL TAUBE Critics called him “yesterday’s man.” He’s betting his instincts can outmatch an untested prime minister

Justin Trudeau Lost the Plot. Now He’s Looking for a New One BY WENDY KAUR What does a former prime minister do for a second act?

The Stark Reality Ten Years after the Truth and Reconciliation Report BY MICHELLE CYCA

“We have to wonder: should we just abandon ‘reconciliation’ altogether?”

The Bloc Wants to Break Up Canada—but Not Yet BY TOULA DRIMONIS A surge of national unity has swept Quebec. It’s only a matter of time before the sovereignty debate resurfaces

The Kids Are Leaning Right: How the Manosphere Is Shaping Voters BY OLIVIA BOWDEN The polls look good for the Liberals now, but the Conservatives have been winning over young men

Conservatives Painted the Suburbs Blue. Can the NDP Reclaim Ground? BY RICARDO TRANJAN Canada’s suburban ridings aren’t just rich enclaves. Many are diverse, working class—and rapidly shifting right

DEI Was Always Flawed, but the Backlash Is Truly Alarming BY PACINTHE MATTAR The right is latching onto the idea of “merit” as a cover for something darker

Trump’s Attacks on the Climate Are an Opportunity for Canada BY ARNO KOPECKY The US was never really a clean energy leader. Can Ottawa step in?

Carney’s Pipeline Play Tests the Coalition That Put Him in Power BY PAUL WELLS The energy megaproject has triggered a fight that spans provinces, parties, and ideologies

Is Nate Erskine-Smith Too Honest for His Own Good? BY AMARAH HASHAM-STEELE From Reddit threads to candid Substacks, the Liberal MP likes saying the quiet part out loud. Not everyone is a fan

Diana Fox Carney Is Trying Hard Not to Be Noticed BY WENDY KAUR Months after the federal election, Canada’s unofficial “first lady” remains an enigma The post 2025: The Year in Political Personalities and Upsets first appeared on The Walrus.