A highly anticipated federal Conservative convention, that will centre around a leadership review of Pierre Poilievre, got underway Thursday in Calgary as the BMO Centre welcomed delegates, grassroots members, and conservative supporters from across the country. The convention will see party members discuss what the Conservative path forward should look like, through a long list of policy proposals that will be debated throughout the weekend. But the most important question set to be answered in Calgary: will Poilievre be the person to continue to lead the party forward? His leadership review comes as a result of a loss in last year’s federal election for the Conservative party, which per the party’s constitution triggers a mandatory leadership review. The last review like this by the Conservative Party took place in 2005, after then leader and former prime minister Stephen Harper lost the 2004 election. Harper received 84 per cent support at the time. The choice on whether he stays will be up to delegates selected by members from across the country to represent their ridings in the decision. “I will be voting to keep him. I think he’s the best person to continue to lead this party,” said Nicolas Gaglia, a delegate from Ontario in an interview with CTV News. While Gaglia is part of what appears to be a majority within the party that are happy with Poilievre’s leadership, some have come to Calgary looking for answers. “I’m torn honestly,” Jamie Keith, a delegate from British Columbia told CTV News when asked how she would vote. “I feel like part of me believes that I like an underdog, I love a good redemption story, but I also want the message to come across very clearly that mistakes were made,” she added. On Parliament Hill, Poilievre’s caucus has been firmly behind him and have signalled they expect he will get a commanding result – though most have steered clear of offering a specific number when it comes to how much support he should get to stay on. “I think that he’s going to do well. But that’s the beauty of our membership, is that it’s in their hands to decide. I just have one vote,” said Calgary MP Stephanie Kusie who is the master of ceremonies for the weekend, in an interview with CTV News. “It’s our membership who will cast the votes, and they will decide, and it’s up to Pierre Poilievre to take the results and do as he sees fit. I have trust in him that he will look at the number, whatever number that is, although, as I stated, I believe it’s going to be strong and move forward as he feels is necessary,” she added. Party officials too seem keen to see Poilievre lead the party into the next election, whenever it comes. “Everybody I’m talking to, everybody says Pierre is our guy, and we’re going to win with Pierre,” said Matthew Conway, Vice President of the Conservative Party’s national council. “Pierre will be the next prime minister of Canada,” he added. With files from CTV’s Rachel Hanes
