By all accounts, the 2025 federal election is shaping up to be a battle of economic philosophies. And in a bold and public display of confidence, over two dozen of Canada’s top business leaders have thrown their weight behind Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party, signalling a major turning point in the political landscape.
This isn’t just about endorsements. It’s a call to action. The open letter, published April 12 under the headline “Time for Change,” wasn’t filled with vague platitudes—it laid out a pointed critique of Canada’s current economic stagnation and a blueprint the signees believe will steer the country back to prosperity.
Among the co-signers are some of Canada’s most prominent business minds: Prem Watsa of Fairfax Financial, Jay Hennick of Colliers International, and former CEOs of Scotiabank and RBC Capital Markets. These are not voices easily ignored. Their message is clear: Canada needs less bureaucracy, more innovation, and a government that facilitates—not hinders—enterprise.
The numbers don’t lie. Productivity has flatlined, GDP per capita is shrinking, and the national conversation around economic growth is beginning to sound like a broken record. The letter speaks to a collective frustration: that Canada is underperforming, and that this trajectory is not only avoidable, it’s reversible.
Poilievre’s platform appears tailor-made to address these concerns. A 25% reduction in federal red tape, a two-for-one regulation rule, and a commitment to restoring fiscal discipline are just a few of the promises that have resonated with the business community. The Conservative leader is positioning himself as the antidote to what many see as years of government overreach and bloated spending.
Of course, not everyone is buying in. Liberal contender Mark Carney, a former central banker with deep international experience, has pitched a more technocratic vision, arguing that sound economic stewardship requires steady, seasoned leadership—especially in the face of external threats like renewed tariff pressures from Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has taken a populist tack, accusing both Liberals and Conservatives of catering to the elite. Singh argues that the “better deal for the wealthiest few” doesn’t solve the affordability crisis that’s hitting working families hardest.
But in politics, endorsements matter—and this one is big. The coordinated support from some of Canada’s most respected economic voices is more than a media moment; it’s a statement that the private sector sees real potential in Poilievre’s economic plan.
This isn’t about partisanship. It’s about direction. Canada is at a crossroads, and these business leaders are betting that a shift toward free enterprise, fiscal restraint, and resource development will put the country back on a path to sustainable prosperity.
Whether voters agree remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: when the people who build businesses and create jobs speak up, it’s worth listening. And this time, they’re speaking loud and clear.
