Conservative Convention Kicks Off in Calgary
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre prepares to deliver a key speech to party supporters in Calgary tonight, outlining the direction for the Conservatives ahead of the upcoming federal election. This address will immediately precede a leadership review vote, where delegates are poised to endorse his continued role at the helm.
The national convention, which launched in Calgary, emphasizes unity and forward momentum amid efforts by the Liberals to create divisions within the party. Quebec MP Pierre Paul-Hus highlighted this focus during the opening ceremonies on Thursday, stating, “Canadians seek serious leadership and practical solutions, which we deliver.”
Organizers describe this gathering as the largest in Conservative Party history, drawing record crowds. Saskatchewan MP Andrew Scheer noted in a recent interview that many first-time attendees are expected, signaling broad enthusiasm.
Supporter Views and Party Dynamics
Attendees express strong backing for Poilievre. Jesse Affleck, a 21-year-old from New Westminster, B.C., praised the leader’s personal engagement, saying, “At these events, he shakes hands with everyone and holds real conversations.”
Vincent Kunda credited Poilievre’s platform with sparking his interest in politics, adding, “I supported him in the last election because I trust him to manage challenges from U.S. President Donald Trump.”
Not all voices align, however. Susan Friedman from the Parry Sound—Muskoka riding voiced dissent, recalling her presence in Ottawa during his initial election. “I didn’t back him then, and recent developments haven’t changed my mind,” she said. “I doubt he can effectively lead the party.”
Voting on the leadership review commences right after Poilievre’s speech at 9:30 p.m. ET. Alberta MP Stephanie Kusie declared on Thursday, “This weekend demonstrates our readiness to form government after a decade of Liberal shortcomings.”
Calls for Unity and Policy Focus
Ontario MP Costas Menegakis urged solidarity from the stage Friday morning, observing, “The Liberals have attempted to foster division in our ranks for months”—likely alluding to two Conservative MPs who joined the government side since November.
Western University political science professor Laura Stephenson pointed to ongoing tensions within the party since 2015, noting, “A far-right wing coexists with centrist elements in this big-tent organization.” She added that moderate members might favor aspects of the current Liberal administration.
Polling Trends and Criticisms
Recent surveys from Leger and Abacus Data indicate rising Liberal support, particularly following Mark Carney’s trade initiatives in China and his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Leger’s findings place Liberals at 47% support, with Conservatives at 38%, and 58% of Canadians approving of Carney’s leadership.
Abacus Data reveals that while 76% of Conservative voters favor retaining Poilievre, only 34% of the general public agrees. Overall sentiment toward Poilievre remains negative, contrasting with positive views of Carney. These online polls lack traditional margins of error due to non-random sampling.
Quebec MP Luc Berthold criticized Carney on Thursday evening, accusing him of favoring big business over small enterprises and entrepreneurs. Fellow speakers echoed this, portraying the Liberal government as serving elites rather than everyday workers.
Under Poilievre, the Conservatives position themselves as champions of the working class and unions. Speeches previewed themes likely in his address, reviving a “Canada First” message from a mid-February rally in Ottawa amid Trump’s trade tensions and Liberal polling gains.
B.C. MP Aaron Gunn targeted Carney and the Liberals from the stage Thursday, remarking, “We reject lectures, particularly from those who recently rediscovered their patriotism 15 months ago.” Ontario MP Arpan Khanna addressed persistent issues like housing shortages and crime, stating, “Pierre and the Conservatives offer hope, opportunity, and a vision where Canada rewards hard work.”
