Poilievre leadership review headlines Conservative convention in Calgary as delegates debate wide-ranging policy and constitutional changes
Delegates at the Conservative convention in Calgary will vote on Pierre Poilievre’s leadership review and dozens of policy and constitution amendments, from AI rules to CBC funding.
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By Torontoer Staff
Pierre Poilievre’s leadership review is the primary item on the agenda at the Conservative Party convention in Calgary. Delegates will also spend hours debating more than four dozen proposed amendments to the party’s policy handbook and its constitution.
Proposals range from tweaks that mirror positions Poilievre has already promoted, to regional priorities and procedural changes aimed at shifting power back to local riding associations. Several resolutions could change how the party handles nominations, money and policy on high-profile issues.
Key policy proposals up for votes
Delegates will consider proposals on labour, fiscal rules, technology, foreign policy and public broadcasting. Some repeat positions closely associated with Poilievre, while others reflect local concerns or broader ideological shifts.
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program, including calls for major reform
- A dollar-for-dollar law that would require each dollar the government spends to be matched by a dollar cut
- An AI framework to encourage innovation, proposed by the Thornhill riding
- A measure requiring a House of Commons vote before Canada grants diplomatic recognition to any new state, sponsored by Nepean
- A proposal from Yorkton-Melville that would see Canada withdraw from the World Health Organization
- Replacing current CBC oversight policy with one that would move the public broadcaster to independent, non-governmental funding, proposed by Lethbridge
- A motion from Similkameen-South Okanagan-West Kootenay to delete the party’s current policy on abortion
Some resolutions respond to recent federal decisions and international moves. Others seek to remove existing party policy on contentious social issues, arguing the party should allow MPs and candidates more latitude to represent their local values.
Constitutional amendments and nomination rules
Many of the proposed constitutional changes aim to give local riding associations greater oversight of party operations. The complaints behind these proposals focus on perceived centralisation of power with the leader, the national council and the Conservative Fund, which controls party finances.
A notable proposal from Provencher calls for an overhaul of the nomination process, citing the disruption candidates experienced at the start of the last election when more than 100 nominations remained unresolved despite lengthy pre-election organising.
Right now, candidates put years of their lives on hold, only to be left in limbo. They deserve certainty.
Provencher riding association
The party announced nomination rule changes ahead of the convention, but some riding associations argue those adjustments are insufficient or will take too long to take effect. Other constitutional proposals include changes to the party’s foundational principles, such as adding a line to honour the original French and English lyrics of O Canada.
What delegates and observers are watching
The leadership review will determine whether Poilievre continues as leader without a formal leadership contest. Its outcome will shape how the party approaches the policy and constitutional votes that follow, and how much influence the leader retains over nominations and messaging.
Observers will also watch votes on high-profile items such as the CBC funding model and the abortion policy. Those decisions could signal whether the party is moving to broaden its appeal, consolidate its base, or devolve more authority to local associations.
Regional proposals, like a wildfire response strategy from Calgary-Nose Hill, show how local priorities are making their way onto the national agenda. Other measures mirror international political moves and debates, including proposals that echo recent changes in U.S. policy toward the World Health Organization.
Potential implications for the party
If delegates approve substantial constitutional changes, the party could see more contested nominations and a greater role for riding associations in candidate selection. That may lead to more grassroots control, but it could also complicate strategic planning and fundraising.
Policy shifts on issues such as public broadcasting, international bodies and social policy would reshape the party’s platform heading into the next election. Even proposals that fail to pass will reveal where different wings of the party are mobilising and which issues matter to active members.
The convention’s votes will offer the clearest signal yet about the party’s direction under Poilievre, and whether his leadership retains broad support among the membership.
Delegates will continue debate and voting through the convention, with results expected to influence the party’s strategy in the months ahead.
Conservative PartyPierre PoilievreCalgary conventionparty policynominations
