Final preparations were underway at the BMO Centre in Calgary on Thursday, January 29, 2026, as the Conservative Party of Canada convention was set to begin. While Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre awaits his fate from delegates in the party's heartland, it will be his newest additions to caucus that will be given the spotlight at the event.
Showcasing Electoral Wins Under Poilievre's Leadership
An expected list of speakers, shared ahead of the convention's official start, reveals that Conservatives have chosen to highlight members of Parliament from some of the ridings the party captured during last year's election. This strategic move serves as a demonstration of what the party achieved under Poilievre's leadership as delegates decide whether to keep him as leader.
Key New MPs Taking the Stage
Among the featured speakers is Carol Anstey, who successfully flipped a seat in Newfoundland and Labrador from the Liberals in the last election. Roman Baber, who achieved a similar feat in a Toronto riding—a rare win for the party in that region—is also scheduled to speak.
Sandra Cobena and Costas Menegakis, who each captured seats in Ontario's crucial Greater Toronto Area, were set to take the stage over the three-day convention. Additionally, Aaron Gunn and Tamara Kronis, Conservative MPs who secured seats on Vancouver Island at the expense of the federal New Democrats, are among those being highlighted.
Emphasizing Successes Amid Leadership Review
These electoral victories are precisely what Poilievre and his closest supporters have been emphasizing to delegates ahead of the convention. The focus on new MPs comes at a critical time, as some doubts have emerged within the party about Poilievre's ability to secure victory whenever the next election occurs.
Recent public opinion polls suggest Prime Minister Mark Carney still enjoys a solid favourability rating among Canadians compared to the Conservatives. Concerns about U.S. President Donald Trump remaining in office continue to occupy the forefront of many voters' minds, adding complexity to the political landscape.
Delegate Perspectives on Poilievre's Leadership
"Poilievre is a fighter," said John Periversoff, a delegate from London West who recently met the Conservative leader at an event in a neighbouring riding. Periversoff noted that Poilievre has been holding numerous events in the lead-up to his leadership vote, with the leader scheduled to deliver a speech on Friday night followed by voting.
Periversoff expressed appreciation for the fact that Poilievre appears to be "actively listening" to those he speaks with—a quality that supporters have long cited as drawing them to the Conservative leader. This perceived attentiveness has contributed to crowds packing rallies across the country to see Poilievre since the party's leadership race in 2022.
The Path Forward for Conservative Leadership
These personal connections are what Poilievre is now counting on to deliver him a mandate to continue as party leader in the review vote set for Friday. Party faithful express confidence that he will be able to meet this challenge successfully.
While those closest to Poilievre have declined to divulge specific expectations for the vote, several factors appear to be working in his favour. Notably, no organized opposition has emerged against his leadership. Furthermore, Poilievre has taken considerable time to meet with delegates and listen to those involved in the last election, strengthening his position ahead of the crucial vote.
The convention represents a pivotal moment for the Conservative Party as it balances celebration of recent electoral successes with critical assessment of its leadership direction moving forward.
