Pierre Poilievre’s Mixed Signals on Ukraine: Words vs. Actions

As Russia’s war in Ukraine enters its third year, Canada’s stance on the conflict has remained clear—at least from the government’s perspective. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government have provided unwavering support for Ukraine, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to democracy and European security.

But for Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, the picture is more complicated. Despite claiming to stand with Ukraine, his actions in Parliament tell a different story. Poilievre has voted against multiple aid and trade measures meant to support Ukraine, and his silence or avoidance of direct commitments has raised questions about where he truly stands. While he condemns Vladimir Putin and voices support for Ukraine in speeches, his opposition to trade deals, military training funds, and Liberal budget bills containing Ukraine assistance have led critics to question the sincerity of his stance.

A Record of Contradictions

One of the most glaring examples of Poilievre’s inconsistencies came in November 2023, when his Conservative caucus unanimously voted against the updated Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement. His rationale? The agreement included a non-binding carbon pricing clause, which he claimed would "impose a tax on the people of Ukraine"—even though the Ukrainian government itself supported the deal. Trudeau called the move “shameful”, pointing out that Poilievre's opposition was about domestic partisan politics, not actually helping Ukraine.

A month later, in December 2023, Poilievre’s caucus also voted against a budget measure that included funding for Canada’s Operation UNIFIER, the military training mission helping Ukrainian soldiers fight against Russia. Though the Conservatives framed their opposition as part of their broader stance against government spending, their vote effectively meant they opposed money for Ukrainian military training—a position that put them at odds with nearly every other Western government supporting Ukraine.

Yet, at the same time, Poilievre attended Ukrainian community events, denounced Russia’s “tyranny,” and insisted he fully supports Ukraine’s right to defend itself. When directly pressed on whether a Poilievre-led government would continue Canada’s aid levels to Ukraine, he dodged the question, refusing to outline concrete commitments.

This pattern—publicly affirming support while opposing key policies that deliver aid—has led some to accuse Poilievre of trying to have it both ways: appearing pro-Ukraine when necessary, but keeping his options open with voters who are less supportive of Canada’s foreign commitments.

Poilievre has long cited former Prime Minister Stephen Harper as a political mentor, and Harper’s influence on Conservative policy continues to loom large. But Harper’s international alliances raise even more concerns about Poilievre’s future direction on Ukraine.

Harper currently serves as Chairman of the International Democrat Union (IDU), a global network of conservative parties that includes Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, a nationalist leader known for his pro-Russia stance. Harper has personally met with Orbán and advocated for closer ties between Canada’s Conservatives and Orbán’s government. Orbán, in turn, has repeatedly blocked EU military assistance to Ukraine, opposed sanctions on Russia, and maintained friendly relations with Putin—even as the rest of NATO seeks to isolate Russia.

If Poilievre continues to model his foreign policy approach after Harper, there is reason to question whether Canada’s steadfast support for Ukraine will remain under a Poilievre-led government.

The Jamil Jivani – JD Vance Connection

Adding another layer of uncertainty is the personal relationship between Conservative MP Jamil Jivani and U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

Jivani and Vance are longtime friends, having attended Yale Law School together, and they even collaborated on projects aimed at addressing social and economic challenges in the U.S. Jivani has maintained a close working relationship with Vance as both men have risen in their respective political parties.

This connection matters because JD Vance is one of the strongest voices in the U.S. government against supporting Ukraine. Since becoming Vice President, Vance has argued that continued U.S. military aid to Ukraine is a mistake, insisting that America’s focus should be on China and domestic issues instead. His views closely align with the growing right-wing isolationist movement in the U.S., which has pushed for an end to U.S. military support for Ukraine altogether.

Jivani’s influence within Poilievre’s Conservative Party is growing, and his ties to Vance raise further concerns about whether Canada’s Conservatives are quietly shifting towards the same isolationist stance that has taken hold in the U.S. Republican Party.

A Canada That Stands Alone?

With Trudeau heading to the UK to meet with European allies on Ukraine, it is clear that Canada’s commitment to Ukraine remains strong under the current government. But with Poilievre’s inconsistent record, admiration for Harper, and the influence of MPs like Jivani, questions remain about whether Canada’s Conservatives would continue on the same path—or if, like the Trump-Vance faction in the U.S., they would step back from Ukraine entirely.

For now, Poilievre claims he supports Ukraine. But if actions speak louder than words, his voting record tells a different story.