Poilievre digs at Carney’s ‘banker’s haircut,’ Liberal says his rival hasn’t managed a crisis

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre took aim at Liberal Leader Mark Carney in a personal and political attack during a press conference on Tuesday. Poilievre criticized Carney for his similarities to Justin Trudeau and highlighted Carney’s involvement in investment funds registered in Bermuda while at Brookfield Asset Management.

Poilievre didn’t hold back, adding some personal jabs to his criticisms. He mocked Carney’s appearance, saying that voters shouldn’t be fooled by his “banker’s haircut and blue socks.” Poilievre also questioned Carney’s private sector experience, calling him a “political grifter” rather than a businessman.

In response, Carney fired back at Poilievre, highlighting his own experience as the head of the Bank of Canada during the 2008 financial crisis. Carney contrasted Poilievre’s political career with his own crisis management experience, suggesting that Poilievre lacked the necessary skills for the job.

The exchange between the two leaders escalated further when former Prime Minister Stephen Harper endorsed Poilievre for Prime Minister during a rally in Edmonton. Harper praised Poilievre’s political experience and criticized Carney for seemingly parachuting into the job.

Carney also faced scrutiny for his comments about Alberta Premier Danielle Smith during a rally in Victoria. While discussing Canada’s response to tariffs from the U.S., Carney made a joke about sending Smith as a representative, which he later downplayed as a “lighthearted comment.”

Despite the ongoing back-and-forth between Poilievre and Carney, polls show that the Liberals are leading the Conservatives in support. Carney also holds a lead over Poilievre in likability, with more respondents favoring Carney as their choice for Prime Minister.

Other party leaders, such as Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, have also focused their criticisms on Carney in recent days. Blanchet accused Carney of neglecting Quebec’s interests, while Singh urged voters to consider the implications of Carney’s past business dealings.

As the election campaign approaches its halfway point, the competition between Poilievre and Carney continues to heat up, with both leaders vying for the support of Canadian voters.