Conservatives Reflect on Harper Era as Poilievre Seeks Next Victory
The Conservative Party of Canada finds itself at a pivotal moment, caught between the legacy of Stephen Harper and the leadership of Pierre Poilievre. This week in Calgary, party delegates gathered not just for their annual convention, but also to mark 20 years since Harper first led the party to electoral victory. The contrast between then and now is stark. Harper’s path to power was shaped by uniting a fragmented right and navigating a divided political landscape. Poilievre faces a different challenge: building momentum against a relatively united Liberal Party under Mark Carney.
At the convention, Poilievre secured an overwhelming 87.4 percent support in his leadership review, a figure that surpasses Harper’s early endorsement from party members. Yet party veterans caution that this kind of backing alone doesn’t guarantee electoral success. Former cabinet minister Jason Kenney highlighted that Poilievre has, at times, alienated traditional allies, including provincial leaders and business figures. To mount a serious challenge in the next federal election, the party will need to mend these relationships, while also connecting with voters who have shifted to the Liberals.
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The younger generation of Conservatives is central to this strategy. Poilievre addressed them directly in Calgary, emphasizing economic struggles faced by young families and single parents. Still, delegates note that momentum for the party doesn’t rest solely on one leader. As one 22-year-old participant put it, “When you fall short, it’s not just one player, it’s the whole team.” The party must collectively reckon with past losses and determine what adjustments are needed to broaden appeal.
Veterans of the Harper era see value in the current events. Former strategist Ian Brodie suggested that pairing the leadership convention with Harper commemorations reminds the party of its core purpose: to be competitive and win. Harper’s victories were not guaranteed; he learned from setbacks, recalibrated strategies and ultimately built a coalition strong enough to secure three governments. The implication is clear: Poilievre, too, may need to reflect, adapt and demonstrate statesmanship to translate his popularity into actual election wins.
The Conservative Party’s internal debates highlight broader questions about Canadian politics today. The party must reconcile populist appeal with the demands of governance, navigate tensions between federal and provincial wings and understand why voters have gravitated toward the Liberals. History shows that lessons from the past can guide future victories, but only if the party can unite around a strategy that speaks to a changing electorate.
Stay tuned as the Conservatives navigate this delicate balance and follow the evolving story of leadership, strategy and the search for Canada’s next political direction.
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