What’s next for Pierre Poilievre?

The episode of As It Happens explores a series of interconnected stories reflecting on political instability, community resilience, and cultural nostalgia. At its core is the growing crisis within Canada's Conservative Party following the defection of MP Marilyn Gladue to the Liberal government, sparking debate over leadership, party loyalty, and the future of opposition politics. Former Harper advisor Sandy White argues that Pierre Poilievre’s inflexible leadership style and inability to adapt have eroded party cohesion, with multiple MPs reportedly considering crossing the floor. White urges Conservatives to fix their party from within rather than defect, warning that such moves damage democratic accountability. Meanwhile, the episode shifts to global stories of environmental and social struggle: residents of Fleetwood, UK, endure a noxious landfill odor linked to health issues, while a First Nation in Manitoba declares a state of emergency after a suicide crisis exacerbated by displacement from wildfires. On a lighter note, a man in Wales completes a three-year project building a near-perfect replica of the Jaws boat, blending personal obsession with shark conservation. The episode also examines modern workplace culture, citing a study that shows emojis in professional emails can undermine perceived competence, and touches on cultural memory through the revival of a beloved Blue Jays mascot without its original creator’s consent. Finally, it highlights systemic challenges faced by asylum seekers under new immigration rules and the deteriorating behavior at youth sports events, underscoring broader societal tensions.