“We Weren’t Good Enough”: Brad Vis on What Went Wrong in the 2025 Election
🎧 Podcast Episode 198 with MP Brad Vis
When I sat down with MP Brad Vis following the 2025 federal election, I wanted to move past headlines and party spin. I wanted to understand, through an honest and thoughtful conversation, how someone on the front lines of the Conservative campaign saw the election unfold. Brad didn’t disappoint.
What stood out most wasn’t just what he said — but how openly he said it.
“We lost. We weren’t good enough. We missed the goalpost,” Brad told me. “At the end of the day, that’s what it comes down to.”
That kind of directness is rare. It set the tone for a wide-ranging discussion on leadership, messaging, trust in politics, and the future of Canada.
Trudeau’s Exit Changed Everything
We began with the pivotal moment that reshaped the campaign: Justin Trudeau stepping down. Brad explained how Mark Carney’s swift rise to power wasn’t unexpected — and how the political infrastructure Trudeau had built largely remained intact.
“Carney inherited Justin Trudeau’s political apparatus… He was always going to win the Liberal leadership.”
The short, 36-day election was no coincidence. Brad called it “crass political engineering.” It worked strategically, but at the cost of public trust.
As someone deeply committed to democratic engagement, I found this troubling. Canadians barely had time to understand who Carney was, let alone what he stood for.
The Trump Shockwave
Trump’s re-election in the U.S. cast a long shadow over Canada’s campaign. Brad described how fear rippled through his riding, especially among export-based businesses.
“Jobs lost, mortgages not paid, constituents suffering.”
The Conservatives, he admitted, failed to respond quickly enough. While they remained focused on cost-of-living issues, they underestimated the existential uncertainty Trump reintroduced to our economy and sovereignty.
This was one of the most grounded and sobering parts of our interview. You could feel the weight of what it meant for real people in places like the Fraser Valley.
Behind the Curtain: Messaging Discipline
As a political interviewer, I’ve always been curious about how much autonomy MPs have — especially during elections. Brad didn’t hold back.
“There’s a level of message discipline… If you step out of line, people won’t hear from you.”
He confirmed what many suspect: some candidates were discouraged from doing long-form interviews. I appreciated Brad for doing the opposite — joining me for an honest, unscripted conversation.
In a time when political messaging feels robotic, showing up like this matters.
What the Conservatives Missed
I asked Brad about the Mike Myers–Mark Carney ad. It was unexpected, humorous, and deeply patriotic. Whether you loved or hated it, it struck a chord. I told him I didn’t see anything from the Conservatives that landed the same way.
“Point taken,” he said. “I don’t think we had an answer to that.”
It was one of the few cultural moments of the election, and it stuck. Conservatives had policy substance — but they missed the tone and symbolism that voters were craving.
Poilievre’s Loss, and What It Means
Pierre Poilievre losing his riding was a shock. Brad admitted it was hard to watch, especially given Pierre’s national momentum and leadership performance during the campaign.
“But leaders have lost ridings before… Pierre’s best days are ahead.”
Brad also noted something I observed too — the Conservative base is changing. Poilievre connected with young families, working-class voters, and traditionally NDP-aligned communities.
That shift matters. It signals a broader realignment in Canadian politics, and Brad seemed energized by it.
Looking Forward
As we closed out the conversation, I asked Brad what message he had for people feeling discouraged by the results — particularly those who had hoped for a Conservative win.
“I’ve only got one of 342 seats — but I’m going to use it.”
Brad described the issues he’s continuing to fight for: better infrastructure, more local accountability, and a system that respects taxpayers. His focus remains squarely on the riding that sent him to Ottawa.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t your typical post-election recap. Brad Vis didn’t dodge responsibility. He owned it. And he did something we rarely see in politics: he reflected out loud.
“We lost. We weren’t good enough. But we’re building something strong.”
These kinds of conversations are how we move forward. They cut through the noise, build mutual respect, and help us understand the country we’re all trying to build.
If you value thoughtful, unscripted political conversations, consider subscribing to my Substack or following the podcast. Let’s keep creating space for honest dialogue — because that’s what Canada needs more of right now.