Pierre Poilievre Re-elected as Canada’s Conservative Party Leader
Pierre Poilievre has been re-elected as leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, winning 87.4% of votes in a leadership review held on Friday in Calgary. The vote, conducted among party delegates rather than the wider membership, followed recent electoral defeats for the party and Poilievre’s own loss in last year’s federal election.
In his speech to delegates, Poilievre emphasized national unity, warning that “a house divided cannot stand” amid growing separatist sentiments in Alberta and Quebec. He outlined a vision focused on affordability, crime reduction, and small government, pledging to represent Canadians who feel “unseen for too long.”
The leadership review is automatically triggered after an election loss. Poilievre’s supporters praised his address for confronting separatism directly while maintaining core Conservative messaging. Delegates highlighted his focus on domestic policy solutions that they say will strengthen Canada’s independence on the international stage.
Poilievre also addressed geopolitical challenges, including tensions with the United States, and argued that his approach will allow Canada to “stand on its own two feet.” He framed the Liberal Party as partly responsible for the erosion of confidence in the confederation, a message resonating with delegates concerned about regional separatist movements.
Despite losing his long-held seat in the 2025 election, Poilievre later regained a seat in an Alberta by-election, securing over 80% of the vote. While some Conservative MPs have defected to the Liberal Party, his supporters credit him with historic gains, including a record 41% share of the popular vote in the last federal election.
Poilievre has particularly succeeded in engaging younger voters with messaging on the cost of living and housing. However, his leadership has faced criticism over his combative style and challenges in defining the party’s stance toward former US President Donald Trump. Surveys indicate more than half of Canadians hold a negative view of him, and polls show the Conservative Party trailing the Liberals by nine points.
The Calgary leadership review demonstrates that Poilievre remains a central figure in Canadian politics, retaining strong support within his party as it prepares for the next federal election.
