Poilievre secures strong mandate to lead Conservatives after leadership review

(Horizon Weekly / CALGARY) – In a decisive vote at the Conservative Party of Canada’s national convention in Calgary, opposition leader Pierre Poilievre won resounding support from his party members, clearing a leadership review with approximately 87 per cent backing from delegates.

The leadership review was triggered by party rules following the Conservatives’ defeat in the April 2025 federal election. Poilievre’s leadership had faced scrutiny after the party lost to the Liberal Party and he was unseated in his historic Ottawa riding, forcing him to return to Parliament through a subsequent by-election in Alberta’s Battle River—Crowfoot.

In an address to thousands of delegates before the vote, Poilievre acknowledged the challenges ahead and underscored his commitment to conservative principles, economic issues, and rebuilding the party’s momentum toward the next election. The strong vote of confidence ensures he remains leader of the Official Opposition and sets the stage for a rematch with Liberal leader Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Political analysts say the result underscores robust support within the Conservative base, even as national polling suggests Poilievre’s personal popularity lags behind Carney’s. The leadership affirmation provides organizational stability but also signals a continuing contest for broader appeal with Canada’s wider electorate.