Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, delivers his keynote address at the party’s national convention in Calgary on Friday.Larry MacDougal/The Canadian Press
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre blamed the rise of separatist sentiment in Canada on the Liberal government as he promised to restore national unity if he becomes prime minister.
Mr. Poilievre also acknowledged the toll global instability is taking on the country and pledged to address it by igniting the economy in a speech that sought to convince both party members and Canadians writ large he should have another chance to try and defeat the Liberals.
Mr. Poilievre gave the headline address at his party’s Calgary convention, coming just ahead of delegates voting on whether or not he should remain party leader after failing to win the last election.
His speech revisited many of the same themes he campaigned on last spring – crime, immigration, economic growth – but also touched on the pressures inside Canada that have emerged in the months since.
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Mr. Poilievre said the last 10 years of Liberal governance left Canadians ashamed of confederation.
Ottawa is stomping on Alberta’s energy sector and Quebec’s jurisdiction, he said, a reference to the two provinces where separatist movements are agitating.
“Our message to those youth and to all the people of Alberta and Quebec who are losing hope in our country: You will again have a country that respects your autonomy, is proud of your industries, unites us around our common identity and history, a country that will afford you the hopeful future you have earned,” he said.
The vote on whether Mr. Poilievre should remain as leader is mandated by the party’s constitution because the Conservatives were defeated in April.
Mr. Poilievre acknowledged frustrations among the grassroots about how the 2025 campaign spooled out, and thanked them for their feedback, such as a demand for earlier nominations.
But he signalled while tweaks might be coming, he’s not significantly changing course.
“One of the most important lessons I have gained from listening to you throughout this convention is that you told us to ignore the voices who keep telling us to abandon our conservative principles,” he said.
“We will remain true to our principles.”
The Conservatives had a double-digit polling lead heading into the 2025 election but lost to the Liberals under Mark Carney and his pitch on being the best leader to take on U.S. President Donald Trump.
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Though he did not reference Mr. Trump by name, Mr. Poilievre acknowledged the toll the tariff war is taking and the general global instability ignited by the U.S. administration.
He said the situation shows Canada cannot rely on others to secure this country’s borders or buy its goods.
“Conservatives renew our good-faith offer to help the Prime Minister and his government get U.S. tariffs removed and open new markets abroad,” he said.
“We will work with the government in any way we can, because Conservatives always put country above party.”
Canadians must remain united, he said. “United and strong, Canadians will bow before no nation anywhere on earth.”
“Canada must make new friends, honour our alliances, and do our part. On resources, trade, diplomacy, foreign aid, and everything else though, it’s clear we must prioritize our national interest above all else.”
He said that includes protecting the North and expanding the military by, he said, “hiring and promoting based on merit, not political correctness. And our Forces will be guided by a warrior culture.”
The ballot before delegates Friday contains a simple question: Do you think Pierre Poilievre should stay as leader of the Conservative Party.
From the outset of the convention, which began on Thursday, Mr. Poilievre’s MPs as well as senior members of the party were making the case the answer should be an emphatic yes.
Prior to his remarks, videos were broadcast from a cast of prominent conservatives, including Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, former Saskatchewan premier Brad Wall, Obby Khan, leader of the Manitoba Progressive Conservative Party, adding their names to the pitch for him to stay on.
Robert Staley, who chairs the party’s fundraising arm, had told delegates earlier Friday that the party has had its best three years in its history specifically because of Mr. Poilievre.
“He is tireless in his efforts to elect a Conservative government, and I am confident that he will be elected to lead a Conservative government,” Mr. Staley said.