CALGARY — Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has solidified his position within the party, emerging from his leadership review not just intact but with unprecedented support. Delegates at the Conservative convention in Calgary overwhelmingly backed him, reflecting a clear endorsement of his direction for the party.
Overwhelming Victory in Leadership Review
Poilievre addressed the convention on Friday evening, just before the leadership review vote. He spoke directly to young Canadians and others feeling disillusioned, stating, “Our message to those youth and to all of the people … who are losing hope in our country: you will again have a country that respects your autonomy, is proud of your industries, unites us around our common identity and history, a country that will afford you the hopeful future that you have earned.”
The audience responded enthusiastically to his remarks, which underscored the party’s commitment under his guidance. The subsequent vote saw Poilievre receive over 87 percent of delegate support, marking him as the most popular leader in the party’s history. This result ends ongoing debates about the sustainability of his populist approach to conservatism.
Evolution of Conservative Principles
For more than two decades, the Conservative Party has grappled with questions about its core values and future path. Should it position itself as a mild alternative to the Liberal Party’s management style, appealing to broad audiences without controversy? Or should it champion the concerns of everyday Canadians facing economic hardships, where hard work often yields little reward and opportunities favor connections over merit?
The evidence points to the latter. Poilievre’s critics label this stance populism, but it has expanded the party’s reach, making it stronger than at any point this century. Under current Liberal policies, Canadians face continued sacrifices since 2015, alongside narratives framing the nation’s history as rooted in colonialism, with modern patriotism tied to ongoing atonement. Efforts to lessen economic dependence on the U.S. while negotiating new trade deals under President Donald Trump have also fallen short, as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration struggles to deliver.
Lessons from Past Leadership Attempts
Such policies resonate with those insulated by savings and pensions from pre-2015 Canada, but they alienate many others who see a transformed nation. Calls for the Conservatives to shift toward the political center consistently fail because mimicking Liberal strategies would render the party redundant.
This dynamic played out in 2021 under former leader Erin O’Toole, a pragmatic figure who sought to moderate the party’s image. Despite his efforts, critics branded him as extreme, and he lost the federal election, leading to his swift removal by party members. Attempts to chase a vague center ignore the base’s realities and assume unwavering loyalty.
Poilievre learned from this, engaging directly with supporters’ frustrations rather than diluting the message to appease elites. His convention speech captured the widespread economic, cultural, and electoral discontent among those overlooked by the Liberals, signaling no retreat from this path.
Appealing to a New Generation
The individuals Poilievre has drawn to the party represent Canada’s future: young adults burdened by high living costs, ambitious entrepreneurs stifled by an economy that favors government jobs over innovation—where even R&D scientists earn less than some public sector roles. Without opportunities, this group risks leaving for better prospects, contributing to a growing brain drain, especially among graduates facing job market rejection.
Poilievre highlighted these issues in his speech, noting, “Young people are wondering if they’ll ever have a job or a home. Worried parents are sitting at kitchen tables with empty fridges and empty bank accounts, and seniors worry that their savings might not last as long as their days.” This resonated, paving the way for his strong vote.
He concluded with resolve: “We never give up. We never back down. We never run away. We stand united tonight, together, always, because this country, its people and promise are worth fighting for.”
Looking Ahead
While broadening appeal to moderate voters remains essential for electoral success, it must build on the foundation established since Poilievre’s 2022 leadership win. Potential departures from dissenting MPs would clarify the party’s focus. With the leadership question resolved, attention turns to the timing of the next federal election. Populism now defines the Conservatives’ long-term strategy, aligning with the needs of an evolving nation.
