Conservatives Review Poilievre Leadership in Calgary

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is scheduled to deliver a pivotal speech Friday evening at his party's national convention in Calgary, where delegates will vote on his continued leadership following the Conservatives' defeat in the 2025 federal election. The three-day gathering, which began Thursday at the BMO Centre, draws voting delegates from riding associations across Canada, along with members of Parliament, party officials and provincial figures.

The convention marks the first formal leadership review for the federal Conservatives since 2005, when Stephen Harper received 84 percent support after an election loss. Poilievre requires a simple majority of yes votes, or 50 percent plus one, to remain leader. Party officials anticipate strong backing, with Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer noting an influx of first-time delegates drawn by Poilievre's appeal. In Scheer's Saskatchewan riding of Regina-Qu'Appelle, about 60 percent of attendees are newcomers, a trend reported in other areas.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is set to address the convention Saturday, underscoring provincial-federal ties. However, several other conservative premiers are absent. Ontario...