Ottawa: In a clear demonstration of party loyalty, Canada’s opposition Conservative Party has voted overwhelmingly to retain Pierre Poilievre as its leader, even after suffering a crushing defeat in last year’s federal elections. The leadership review, conducted during the party’s national convention in Calgary, Alberta, saw delegates deliver a decisive endorsement, signaling internal unity and confidence in Poilievre’s vision for the party’s future.
According to the official results released on Saturday, 87.4% of delegates supported Poilievre, comfortably exceeding the threshold that analysts had identified as necessary to maintain credibility. The strong backing not only cements Poilievre’s position at the helm but also provides him with a mandate to chart the Conservatives’ course as they prepare for the next federal election.
The leadership review comes after a challenging period for the Conservatives. In the April 2025 federal election, the party faced a severe setback, with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals securing a decisive victory. Poilievre himself lost his parliamentary seat in that election, a personal and political blow that momentarily cast doubt on his leadership. He later returned to Parliament through a by-election, reinforcing his presence in federal politics and reviving his leadership credentials.
During the Calgary convention, Poilievre addressed party delegates in a 45-minute speech, emphasizing themes of resilience, optimism, and a renewed commitment to conservative values. Surrounded by enthusiastic supporters holding signs advocating “real change” and “choose hope,” he positioned himself as the figure capable of unifying the party and challenging the Liberals in future elections. Observers described the speech as defiant, aiming to energize the party base and solidify internal cohesion.
Despite the overwhelming internal support, broader public opinion presents a more nuanced picture. Polling data indicate that while Poilievre enjoys strong backing within the Conservative Party, his popularity among the general electorate remains limited. In contrast, Prime Minister Carney continues to enjoy high approval ratings, giving the Liberals a comfortable lead in national opinion surveys. Political analysts suggest that Poilievre’s challenge will be to broaden his appeal beyond the party faithful.
The April election defeat was influenced by a combination of domestic and international factors, including controversial foreign political commentary that reportedly galvanized support for the Liberals. These events complicated the Conservative campaign and hindered Poilievre’s ability to attract undecided voters. Nevertheless, the party’s strong vote of confidence in him signals determination to regroup and refine its messaging for future contests.
For Poilievre and his inner circle, the leadership endorsement provides an opportunity to focus on key conservative priorities, such as economic growth, taxation, and public safety, while preparing to mount a serious challenge to the Liberal government in upcoming elections. Analysts view the Calgary convention’s results as a reaffirmation of party loyalty, but note that translating internal support into national electoral success will remain Poilievre’s key challenge.