Conservative Convention Set to Unfold in Calgary with Poilievre's Leadership at Stake
This weekend, federal Conservatives are converging on Calgary for a significant three-day convention, with opening activities scheduled for Friday, January 29. The event marks the first federal Conservative leadership review since the party confirmed former leader and prime minister Stephen Harper following a defeat in 2004, setting a historic backdrop for the proceedings.
Friday's Agenda: Registration, Workshops, and a Pivotal Evening Speech
On the opening day of the 2026 convention, delegates will begin by registering, followed by workshops where they will undertake a review of the party's constitution and start considering potential policy positions, as reported by CPAC. According to the convention schedule, the evening will feature the seminal event of the conference—a speech by Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. This address will occur against the backdrop of a vote on his leadership, which will determine whether he remains leader in the wake of last April's federal election loss.
Attendance and Speakers: A Gathering of Conservative Figures
The convention will bring together voting delegates from Conservative riding associations across the country, along with MPs and national party officials. It will also draw provincial conservative figures, party activists, and observers, which is typical for any national policy convention. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is expected to attend, though some other conservative premiers, including Doug Ford and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, are not anticipated to be present at the Calgary event.
Pierre Poilievre has top billing, with his speech set for Friday at 6:30 p.m. local time. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is expected to address the convention on Saturday. Meanwhile, a roster of federal Conservative MPs, including newer caucus members, are expected to appear in programs and panel discussions throughout the weekend. It should be noted that the party controls the detailed program and may adjust speaker lineups and timing closely, so a full list of MP speakers for Friday may only be available on the official convention agenda.
The Significance of Poilievre's Speech: A Make-or-Break Moment
Poilievre's Friday night speech is being treated as a make-or-break moment to convince delegates to give him a second chance as leader, according to CPAC. It will be broadcast on TV and clipped for social media, amplifying its reach. The Conservatives won 41.3% of the popular vote in the 2025 federal election, the highest number in the party's modern history, and gained 24 seats, partly due to victories in British Columbia and southern Ontario. However, they did not gain enough support to dislodge the Liberals from government.
Technically, Poilievre needs a simple majority of yes votes—50 percent plus one—in the leadership review to remain leader. The history of Canadian party leaders shows they often step down or are eventually forced out if they receive less than 70 or 80 percent. As Conservative delegates prepare to vote on his leadership in Calgary, debate has focused on Poilievre's falling favourability ratings and a handful of high-profile exits from the Conservative caucus to the Liberals, according to The Hub. However, former Conservative executive director Ian Brodie told The Hub that those concerns are sideshows, emphasizing that the leadership review will be decided by delegates who are more concerned with consolidating power.
