Have you seen the surname “Poilievre” in Canadian politics and wondered how to say it? Pierre Poilievre is the leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, and his French‑Canadian last name often trips up English speakers. Here’s a quick guide so you can pronounce it with confidence.

Step‑by‑Step Pronunciation Guide

Phonetic spelling: /pwa ˈli ɛv/
Simplified: pwa‑LEE‑ev

Breaking it down
• pwa – sounds like “pwah,” a quick blend of “p” and “wah”
• LEE – a clear “lee,” this syllable carries the stress
• ev – short “ev,” rhymes with “rev”

Say it smoothly together: pwa‑LEE‑ev.

Common Mispronunciations

• “POY‑lee‑air” – inserts an extra vowel and changes the ending
• “poy‑LEE‑ehv‑ruh” – adds a fourth syllable
• Stressing the first syllable instead of the middle

Practice Sentences

• “Pierre Poilievre is speaking in the House of Commons today.”
• “Have you watched Poilievre’s latest press conference?”
• “Some voters find Poilievre’s economic message appealing.”

Poilievre in Canadian News

Whether you follow federal elections, question period highlights, or social‑media debates, you’ll hear the name Poilievre frequently. Mastering its pronunciation helps when discussing Canadian politics or listening to national newscasts.

Pierre Poilievre is a longtime Member of Parliament and, since 2022, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. His surname comes from French ancestors in Saskatchewan and Alberta.