Pierre Poilievre has become a lightning rod for Canadians’ frustration, and for those seeking cathartic release from simply being a Canadian — whatever that means, what with our ongoing national identity crisis — in 2025.

Outside of the Vancouver Wall Centre on the night of Feb. 4, a small crowd of pro-Palestine protestors, including one with a “Queers for Palestine” flag draped on their back, huddled and shouted in the snowy, -6C air. Poilievre was there to speak to a crowd of Conservative party donors inside. Clusters of Vancouver police officers in high-visibility vests kept the disruption outdoors.