Sask. MPs say Poilievre unites the party after the highest-ever support at Conservative convention

Conservative MPs said their party is leaving its national convention in Calgary unified after leader Pierre Poilievre received overwhelming support in a leadership review vote.

“It was just a fantastic evening,” said Andrew Scheer, the Conservative MP for Regina–Qu’Appelle and a former party leader.

Read more:

“Pierre gave an uplifting, hopeful speech about how Conservative policies will make life more affordable for Canadians, but also strengthen Canada’s position on the world stage.”

The Conservative Party of Canada said Poilievre received 87.4 per cent support from delegates, the highest approval rating ever recorded for a Conservative leader in a leadership review.

“It’s proof that Pierre has united our party around common values,” Scheer said.

“Hard work paying off, safe communities where our criminal justice system puts the rights of law-abiding Canadians ahead of dangerous and repeat offenders.”

Scheer said the size of the mandate exceeded expectations and reflected broad buy-in from party members across the country.

“We just wanted a clear mandate,” he said. “To see that high of a number is such an endorsement of Pierre’s approach to leading our party and building our movement.”

Saskatoon MP Kevin Waugh said the leadership review had become a distraction for months and that the result allowed the party to refocus on policy and messaging.

“It’s good to get this out of the way,” said Waugh, the Conservative MP for Saskatoon–South.

“There’s no question it was a distraction. Now we can move forward and give people our vision for the country.”

Waugh said Conservatives believe they are organizationally ready if Canadians are called back to the polls.

“We raised $48 million last year, another record,” Waugh said. “Canadians are engaged in our party. They’re putting their money where their mouth is.”

Scheer echoed that confidence, saying minority Parliaments mean elections can come quickly.

“In minority Parliaments, elections can happen at any time,” Scheer said.

“Getting the mandate from our members was the last missing piece. Now that we’ve done that, I believe we’re in great shape.”

Both MPs said affordability continued to dominate conversations with voters, particularly younger Canadians.

“When I door-knock in Saskatchewan, affordability is the number one issue,” Waugh said. “Groceries, housing, daycare — young people want hope.”

Scheer said the leadership vote and convention turnout reflect optimism inside the party heading into whatever comes next.

“The mood today at convention is upbeat,” he said. “Everyone’s got a spring in their step. We know Pierre is going to be the leader into the next election, and that’s inspiring.

“This was a wonderful event,” he said. “Now the party can move forward.”

Read more: