CANADA’S main opposition Conservative Party elected Pierre Poilievre as its leader on Saturday.

The decision indicates a shift towards US-style polarisation, as the Donald Trump-like Poilievre is an aggressive “culture warrior” who voted against gay marriage, attacked vaccine mandates and was a prominent supporter of the anti-lockdown “freedom truck” convoy that, despite some left support, was widely criticised because of the prominence of fascist and neonazi symbolism within it.

“Tonight begins the journey to replace an old government that costs you more and delivers you less with a new government that puts you first,” Mr Poilievre said. “By tackling Liberal inflation we will put you back in control of your life and your money.”

The new Conservative leader has repeatedly been forced to apologise for association with the far right, including for shaking hands with the leader of the Diagolon internet cult and for objecting to paying compensation survivors of the country’s notorious residential schools for indigenous peoples.