Bitcoin advocate Pierre Poilievre leads as Canada’s next PM on Polymarket but lags on Kalshi

Pierre Poilievre, a Bitcoin advocate and the leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, has become the frontrunner to become the country’s next Prime Minister based on Polymarket odds.

Predictions on the decentralized platform show Poilievre has an 89% chance of victory, down slightly from an earlier 92%. His closest rivals Chrystia Freeland and Jagmeet Singh lag significantly with 5% and 2% odds, respectively.

Meanwhile, the odds on the US-based prediction platform Kalshi paint a completely different picture, with Freeland in the lead with a 45% probability, followed by Mark Carney at 25%, while Poilievre’s chances are much lower at 16%.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced that he would step down as Liberal Party leader and subsequently as Prime Minister once a successor is chosen. Interestingly, Polymarket bettors had accurately predicted Trudeau’s resignation within this week.

Why Poilievre appeals to crypto enthusiasts

Poilievre’s vocal support for crypto has earned him a dedicated following within Canada’s blockchain community. As a proponent of the emerging industry, he has consistently opposed the idea of a central bank digital currency by backing Bill C-400.

His vision for Canada also includes transforming the nation into a leading blockchain hub and utilizing Bitcoin to address economic challenges like inflation.

Moreover, Poilievre’s ties to crypto further bolster his credibility in the space. In 2022, Poilievre reportedly invested in Purpose Bitcoin, a Canadian exchange-traded fund focused on crypto.

While it remains unclear if he retains these holdings, his track record reflects a commitment to integrating digital assets into the country’s financial landscape.

Since entering Parliament in 2004, Poilievre has championed policies emphasizing smaller government, economic independence, and individual liberties. In one interview, he said his campaign for the next election would be to: