BREAKING: Pierre Poilievre is officially running for Conservative leader

"Governments have gotten big and bossy. They're spending more than any time since World War Two. So they control more of what you earn and you control less," Poilievre said in his video announcement, gaining thousands of likes within the hour. "They caused inflation by borrowing and printing a half trillion dollars, which has ballooned the assets of the billionaires, the debts of our children, and the cost of living of the working class. Over half of families now say they struggle just to feed themselves. And more 30-year-olds live in their parents basements, because they can't afford the now-typical cost of a home, $800,000. "

"Meanwhile, a small financial elite with access to all that printed money, buy up real estate and rent out to a growing class of permanent tenants—people who may never be able to afford a home," he continued.

Poilievre also defended free speech. "And when people speak up, the powerful clamp down. They silence; they slander anyone who dares dissent, including with laws censoring what you see and say online."

"Using COVID as a political opportunity, the Trudeau Government has attacked small businesses, truckers, and other hardworking Canadians. They target law-abiding hunters and farmers, while letting gangsters and gun smugglers run free," he continued.

"See, here's the problem. Trudeau thinks he's your boss. He's got it backwards. You are the boss. That's why I'm running for Prime Minister to put you back in charge of your life," Poilievre said. "Together, we will make Canadians the freest people on earth with freedom to build a business without red tape or heavy tax."

"Freedom from the invisible thief of inflation. Freedom to raise your kids with your values. Freedom to make your own health and vaccine choices. Freedom to speak without fear and freedom to worship God in your own way," Poilievre continued, showing support for the Freedom Convoy.

"See in a free country, smaller government makes room for bigger citizens. People have room to take responsibility for themselves and each other. Neighbors care for neighbors. A job is the best anti-poverty program and family and community are the best safety net. Now, the people with power, the media interest groups, corporate giants, government authorities will fight tooth and nail to keep on top."

"So it won't be easy. But easy street leads to a dead end. And hard roads lead to the best destinations. Our destination is a Canada where the government is servant, not master. You are the master of your fate. You are the captain of your soul," he concluded.

This news comes just days after former leader Erin O'Toole was voted out by his caucus.