Pierre Poilievre on the Role of Government, Freedom, and Affordability
12/27/202557 min
This week, we're releasing a special episode of TKP with Pierre Poilievre. While we don't often tackle politics on the show, we are trying to improve political discourse by offering a platform for both sides to speak with depth and nuance. This episode covers the economy, media, free speech, immigration, corporate subsidies, and more. (And before you ask, the same invite was extended to both Pierre and Prime Minister Mark Carney).
Approximate Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:31) What is the Role of Government? (03:31) Canadian National Identity (05:52) Canada's Global Role (07:33) Immigration: Problems & Solutions (09:37) What's Going Right? (14:50) Second & Third Order Consequences (17:52) Government Spending & Economic Prospects (20:05) Positioning: Canada & the United States (24:36) Canada & Foreign Companies (26:57) Fighting for Canada Long Term (30:05) Weaponized Complexity (31:52) What Role Does the Media Play? (37:49) Rapid Fire: Get to Know Pierre (47:44) Maintaining Hope in Politics (49:06) The Drug Crisis (54:00) Bringing Hope into 2026
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Transcript preview
First 90 secondsShane Parrish· Host0:00
This is a special episode of The Knowledge Project, featuring our guest, Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party in Canada. After my last interview with Pierre, I heard from thousands of you, thanking me for allowing political leaders to skip the slogans and loaded questions and speak with nuance and depth. I reached out to both Mr. Poilievre and Prime Minister Carney directly with the same invite. No questions were provided in advance and no editorial control was given. It's time to listen and learn. What do you think the role of government in society should be?
Pierre Poilievre· Guest0:34
You have to start by asking, "What is government?" This is Generation Screwed. I'm not surprised that they feel detached and frustrated with the system and the government that screwed them over. Let's walk through the rap sheet. (static) My purpose is to provide people with hope. And that's not just a touchy-feely word. It's actually a political strategy for me, because if people can be convinced that there's hope, then they'll vote for it in an election. (static) ... some very exciting things we can do, like get rid of capital gains tax. The media is dependent on the government. Can something that is dependent be independent? If you think that the average reader, viewer, or listener is incapable of determining what is true and what is not, well then, how will a government official be able to make that same determination?
Shane Parrish· Host1:28
(instrumental music) Pierre,