Pierre Poilievre walked out of last weekend’s Conservative Party convention in Calgary with 87 per cent support from party members, securing his leadership.
After a rocky year — which saw Poilievre blow a 20-point polling lead heading into last April’s general election, defeat in his own Ottawa-area riding, and two Conservative MPs defect to the Liberals — Poilievre cemented his leadership of the Conservative Party ahead of the next federal election.
“Hope is the knowledge that your work will fulfil your purpose,” Poilievre told Conservatives in Calgary, becoming emotional as he spoke about being away from his young family and hoping to see his daughter Valentina, who has autism, speak for the first time.
The Conservatives’ loss in last year’s election triggered an automatic leadership review.
Addressing affordability
Poilievre’s speech to Conservative Party delegates focused on affordability, work, and economic insecurity.
Poilievre recalled a time when his mother would stretch a dollar, and he would wake early to work the paper route.
He said he is aware of young Canadians’ worries about their future, including the challenge of finding affordable housing and well-paying jobs.
He acknowledged that Canadian businesses are moving to the U.S. and argued that Canadian youth and families are struggling under the current leader.
“Simply put, Canadians cannot afford life under the Liberal government,” said Poilievre.
Immigration, crime, public safety
Poilievre criticized the Liberal Government’s immigration policies, describing them as “open borders.” While recognizing immigration is important, he said it must be capped to ensure Canadians have access to jobs.
He said a government led by him would “end abuse and handouts to phony refugees,” adding that criminals should be deported.
Amid concerns about crime, Poilievre says a Conservative government would work to pass legislation requiring those convicted of three or more serious offences to serve a minimum of 10 years in prison without parole, probation, or house arrest.
“The Liberals want to protect turkeys from hunters. We want to protect Canadians from criminals,” Poilievre said.
Energy, industry, economic growth
Poilievre also criticized the Liberal government for not repealing what he describes as anti-pipeline and anti-building laws.
He says that under a Conservative government, businesses would not have to ask for permission to grow, that he will fight for families, and that he will green-light Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s proposal for a pipeline to the Pacific, arguing it would create jobs and strengthen the economy.
“To those people who have felt unseen for too long, who are carrying the country on their back and feel underappreciated and overworked,” says Poilievre. “Conservatives see you, and Conservatives will fight for you.”
A Conservative vision for Canada
Poilievre says his vision for a better Canada includes lowering taxes, increasing Canadian autonomy, removing U.S. tariffs and the carbon tax, strengthening the Canadian military and NATO alliances, creating jobs, and supporting families and veterans.
He says these goals will be achieved through various measures, including the Canadian Sovereignty Act and the elimination of the capital gains tax.
The Conservative leader also references Newcastle law, which he says would allow individuals to protect themselves by whatever means necessary from home intruders.
Poilievre said fighting for a better life for his children and for those who continue to support him is what keeps him going.
— With files from Canadian Press