Who’s really behind Pierre Poilievre’s economic policies?

It’s not just “Axe the Tax.” It’s who’s holding the axe — and what they plan to do with it.

We know exactly where Mark Carney gets his economic advice. He is a globally respected economist — and his wife is too. Between them, they could teach macroeconomics at any top university on Earth.

But what about Pierre Poilievre?

He loves to present himself as an “everyman economist.” But let’s be real: slogans like “Axe the Tax” are branding — not policy. So, who’s actually writing the policies? Who will be running Canada’s economy if the Conservatives form government?

Let’s take a closer look.

His current Shadow Finance Minister, Jasraj Singh Hallan, is a former plumber and small business owner. While that’s a respectable path, he has no formal background in economics or finance. He was first elected in 2019.

Then there’s Jenni Byrne, Poilievre’s closest advisor and a top strategist from the Harper era. She’s built to win campaigns — but again, not an economist.

Jeff Ballingall, founder of Canada Proud, runs messaging and comms. Sharp at shaping narratives, but he’s not designing a federal budget.

In fact, most of Poilievre’s inner circle is made up of strategists, digital operatives, and brand managers. Not one serious economic expert in sight.

So who might really be influencing his economic vision?

Let’s talk Stephen Harper.

He’s back. Recently appointed chair of AIMCo — Alberta’s $160 billion public investment fund — by Premier Danielle Smith. Smith fired the entire board and installed Harper to oversee the fund with the goal of growing Alberta’s Heritage Fund to $250B.

No salary. No accountability. Tremendous power.

Critics have been sounding the alarm — this appointment politicizes a fund that is supposed to be independent. It could mark a serious shift in how public money is managed in Canada.

Harper is also Chair of the International Democratic Union (IDU) — a global alliance of conservative parties. If Poilievre becomes PM, Harper’s influence will be enormous.

And let’s not forget Kevin O’Leary.

Yes — the “Shark Tank” guy. He recently said:

“Canada’s economy is at a turning point… we need a federal mandate.”

And he’s also pushed Donald Trump’s idea of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state, claiming “more than half” of Canadians support it.

He’s also suggested aligning our economy more closely with the U.S., going so far as to endorse American-style policies that most Canadians have never voted for.

This is the crowd circling Poilievre.

Canadians deserve to know:

• Who is actually advising Poilievre on economic policy?

• What are their qualifications?

• What would a Conservative economic team look like in power?

Because this isn’t just about politics — it’s about our economy, our pensions, our cost of living, and our future.

We’ve seen what happens when ideology trumps expertise. We can’t afford to go down that road.

Before election day arrives, we need transparency. If Poilievre wants to be Prime Minister, we have every right to ask who's who in the skidoo.

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