Jivani: The Conservative Maverick Stirring Controversy
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s recent shadow cabinet appointments were remarkably inclusive, seemingly extending to every corner of the Conservative caucus. However, one notable absence sparked curiosity: Jamil Jivani, the MP for Bowmanville-Oshawa North.
A Rising Star with a Compelling Story
On paper, Jivani appears to be a valuable asset to both his party and Canada. His personal narrative is inspiring – raised by a single mother, a graduate of Yale Law School, and a cancer survivor. He possesses charisma, speaks with passion, and resonates with younger voters, evidenced by his “Restore the North” tour at universities across the country. Crucially, he enjoys a close personal relationship with U.S. Vice-President JD Vance, having even delivered a reading at his wedding. This connection alone suggests a prominent role for Jivani in strengthening Canada-U.S. relations.
A Pattern of Disruption
Despite his potential, Jivani consistently finds himself sidelined. The reason? A tendency to create controversy. His departure from a talk radio position in 2022 led to a lawsuit against Bell Media, alleging dismissal due to ideological disagreements. Bell Media countered, citing the promotion of misinformation and a “resistant and combative attitude” when challenged. Similarly, his time as an advisor to Ontario Premier Doug Ford ended abruptly in 2022 after publicly criticizing the education minister as “incompetent,” and further disparaging Ford during the 2025 federal election coverage.
Trade Trip Troubles and Anti-American Rhetoric
Most recently, Jivani undertook an independent trade mission to the U.S. While such initiatives are defensible, the opportunity was undermined by his subsequent commentary. Appearing on Sirius XM’s Breitbart News show, a platform associated with the U.S. right-wing, Jivani shifted blame for trade tensions onto Canada, rather than addressing U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs. He argued that Canada’s “anti-America… hissy fit” was hindering progress and even deemed Canada’s trade agreement with China “100 per cent” a mistake, attributing its necessity to “anti-American resentment” among Canadian Liberals.
This narrative starkly contrasted with the message Jivani conveyed to Canadian media, where he claimed to be advocating solely for Canada’s interests. He downplayed criticism of the Prime Minister while simultaneously suggesting Mexico had made more headway in trade negotiations. He promised to “earn every bit of trust” once Canadians overcame their alleged “hissy fit.”
Prioritizing Personal Brand Over National Interest?
A genuine advocate for Canada would have used the Breitbart platform to highlight the detrimental effects of U.S. tariffs. Instead, Jivani focused on criticizing Canada and appealing to a specific demographic. His actions appear to prioritize building the “Jamil Jivani brand” over serving the national interest. While he hasn’t yet caused internal disruption within the Conservative caucus, warning signs are emerging.
Further Reading: For more information on Canada-U.S. trade relations, visit Global Affairs Canada.
