Conservative Convention Kicks Off in Calgary
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre prepares to deliver a key speech to party members in Calgary tonight, outlining the direction for the Conservatives as they approach the upcoming election. The address will immediately precede a leadership review vote, where delegates are anticipated to endorse his continued role as leader.
The national convention emphasizes a forward-looking agenda and party cohesion amid efforts by Liberals to create divisions. Quebec MP Pierre Paul-Hus highlighted this during the opening ceremonies on Thursday, stating, “Canadians are looking for serious leadership and real, tangible solutions, and we provide that.” Organizers described the event as the largest in Conservative Party history.
Attendee Expectations and Support
Saskatchewan MP Andrew Scheer noted in an interview on Sunday that the gathering draws many first-time participants. Younger attendees, such as 21-year-old Jesse Affleck from New Westminster, B.C., expressed strong backing for Poilievre. “When I go to these events, he will shake the hands of every single person and have an actual conversation with every person,” Affleck said.
Vincent Kunda credited Poilievre’s messaging with sparking his interest in politics, viewing him as equipped to address challenges from U.S. President Donald Trump. “I voted for him in the last election because I put my vote and my faith behind him to handle Trump,” Kunda remarked.
Not all views align, however. Susan Friedman from the Parry Sound—Muskoka riding voiced opposition, saying, “I was in Ottawa when he was elected. I didn’t support him then, and a lot has happened since then and it’s not good. I don’t think that he really can lead the party.”
Leadership Vote and Party Messaging
The vote follows Poilievre’s speech at 9:30 p.m. ET. Alberta MP Stephanie Kusie declared on Thursday, “This weekend, we’ll show Canadians just how ready we are to get to government … after 10 years of Liberal mismanagement.”
Ontario MP Costas Menegakis urged unity from the stage Friday morning, commenting, “The Liberals have tried to sow division in our party for months now”—a nod to two Conservative MPs who joined the government side since November.
Political science professor Laura Stephenson from Western University observed that the party has faced challenges balancing its factions since 2015. “There is definitely a more far-right faction and there is definitely more centrist faction,” she explained. Stephenson added that some moderate members may favor the current Liberal direction.
Recent Polling Insights
Recent surveys reflect shifting public sentiment. A Leger poll indicates Liberal support at 47 percent, with Conservatives at 38 percent, and 58 percent of Canadians satisfied with the Carney government. An Abacus Data survey shows 76 percent of Conservative voters favor retaining Poilievre, but only 34 percent of Canadians agree. Overall, views of Poilievre lean negative, while perceptions of Carney remain positive. These online polls lack a margin of error due to non-random sampling.
Quebec MP Luc Berthold criticized Carney on Thursday evening, accusing him of favoring “big business” over small businesses and entrepreneurs. Other speakers portrayed the Liberal government as serving elites rather than everyday citizens. Under Poilievre, the Conservatives position themselves as advocates for working-class individuals and union members.
Speakers previewed Poilievre’s likely themes, echoing his mid-February “Canada First” rally in Ottawa. That event followed Trump’s trade actions and aligned with rising Liberal polls under new leadership prospects. Poilievre shifted from critiquing national issues to promoting an optimistic vision.
B.C. MP Aaron Gunn targeted Carney and Liberals from the stage Thursday, saying, “We will take no lectures, especially from those who only spontaneously discovered their patriotism and love for Canada 15 months ago.” Ontario MP Arpan Khanna addressed ongoing concerns like housing shortages and crime, adding, “But Pierre and Conservatives are offering a different vision, a message of hope, a message of opportunity, a message that says Canada should work for those who work hard in our country.”
