Conservative Delegates to Decide Poilievre's Future as Leader
Final preparations were completed at the BMO Centre in Calgary on Thursday, January 29, 2026, as the Conservative Party of Canada convention prepared to commence. More than 2,500 delegates are poised to answer the critical question that has been looming for months: does Pierre Poilievre retain the confidence of his own party to continue as its leader?
Historic Leadership Review Process
Friday's leadership review represents a significant moment in Conservative Party history, marking the first such vote in over two decades. The last and only comparable review occurred after former prime minister Stephen Harper lost the 2004 election, with delegates at the subsequent convention granting Harper an 84 percent mandate.
Conservatives gathered in Calgary for the three-day convention are hoping Poilievre can achieve similar or even greater support levels following his defeat in the 2025 election. That contest delivered the Liberals, under new leader Prime Minister Mark Carney, their fourth consecutive victory.
Delegates Express Support Amid Lingering Concerns
While the convention atmosphere remained upbeat, with opening ceremonies on Thursday night featuring a performance by country artist Brett Kissel, memories of the recent election loss and its implications for Poilievre's leadership were never far from the surface.
"I want to see at least a 90 percent for Pierre," stated delegate Charlie Martin from central Newfoundland. "It'll be to show the rest of the people that, you know, he's still strong." Martin confirmed his intention to support Poilievre in the leadership review scheduled for Friday evening.
Poilievre's Pre-Vote Campaign Efforts
In the lead-up to his review, Poilievre has been actively meeting with delegates to build support, with Hamish Marshall, who managed the party's 2019 election campaign, assisting in these efforts. For months, Poilievre has emphasized the party's achievements in the last election:
- Capturing a historic 41.3 percent of the popular vote
- Achieving an all-time best result for the Conservative Party
- Gaining more than 20 new seats, including crucial victories in the Greater Toronto Area and British Columbia
Party Heavyweights Rally Behind Leader
Several prominent Conservatives have publicly endorsed Poilievre in advance of the vote. Party veterans Rona Ambrose and Candice Bergen, both former interim leaders, released video messages of support. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, scheduled to speak at the convention, also voiced her endorsement.
On Thursday, the party highlighted its electoral successes by welcoming newly elected MPs from ridings previously held by Liberals and New Democrats to the convention stage.
Challenges and External Factors
Despite internal support, Poilievre faces significant external challenges. Recent public opinion polls show Carney's Liberals maintaining a lead, with data indicating Canadians are generally satisfied with the prime minister's performance. Negative perceptions of Poilievre continue to present obstacles for the party.
Another factor influencing the political landscape involves concerns about U.S. President Donald Trump's policies. His implementation of tariffs and targeting of countries like Greenland has reignited Canadian sovereignty worries that Poilievre must address.
Looking Ahead to Poilievre's Keynote Address
When Poilievre takes the stage for his keynote speech on Friday night, he is expected to combine messages about affordability—the central theme Conservatives view as their pathway to future success—with responses to Canadian anxieties about the current geopolitical climate. The leadership review outcome will significantly shape both Poilievre's political future and the Conservative Party's direction heading toward the next federal election.
