Conservative leadership: right versus evil, or right versus right?
CHELSEA, QUE.—In the chippy, content-light federal Conservative leadership race, there are two (at least) emerging puzzles. First, why isn’t the affable backbench Ontario MP, Scott Aitchison, leading the non-crazy contingent in the battle for the soul of the party? He is, unlike the rest of the field, demonstrably relatable. He speaks compellingly about the need […]
Internal party warfare can be fatal
OTTAWA—Internal party warfare can be fatal. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney eked out a bare majority in a party vote on his leadership, only to be forced out by advisers’ pressure. Kenney’s departure was unexpected as he had gathered together a group of key supporters for what was expected to be a victory celebration. Days before […]
Liberal-NDP alliance could have a profound impact on Conservative leadership race
TORONTO—The somewhat unexpected Liberal-New Democratic Party alliance might have a profound impact on the federal Tory leadership race. First, it will advantage those contenders who are sitting MPs, as they will not have to rely on a sitting member to resign, so they can run to enter Parliament in a by-election—or, even worse, actually wait […]
Poilievre’s YouTube channel a way to talk directly to voters, but the platform may build ‘deeper popularity in a smaller group’
Pierre Poilievre’s heavy use of online video on platforms like YouTube is part of a “bottom-up approach” that the perceived Conservative leadership front-runner is using in his campaign, in contrast to the “very top-down approach” taken by several of his rivals, says a researcher who studies social media use by Canadian politicians. Aengus Bridgman, a […]
It’s time for Poilievre’s caucus supporters to speak out
OTTAWA—Believe you me, I would really like to write about something other than the Conservative leadership race. I can pick any topic I want to discuss; there are no editorial boundaries placed upon me. The Hill Times is a gatekeeper-free environment. Boogie men and women aren’t everywhere looking to stymie thoughts or incarcerate speech. Arguably, […]
Too soon to gauge staying power of ‘freedom’ theme in Conservative politics, now at fore of leadership race, say strategists
Conservative strategists are in agreement that while there has always been a campaign for more freedom and smaller government at the heart of conservatism in Canada, the COVID-19 pandemic has made the theme particularly relevant today—most notably in the ongoing Conservative Party leadership race. But some argue that it’s too early to say whether or […]
Brown rips Poilievre over ‘slow and selective’ response to Buffalo shooting, as politicians of all stripes denounce ‘white replacement theory’
In the wake of a mass shooting in Buffalo, N.Y., that left 10 Black people dead, Conservative leadership hopefuls and MPs of all stripes are strongly condemning the “ugly racist hate” that motivated the act. But as politicians and the public continue to take stock of the tragedy that occurred just south of the Canada-U.S. […]
Dear Conservative Party, you can’t force relatability
During the first official Conservative leadership race debate last Wednesday evening, debate moderator and retired journalist Tom Clark (formerly of CTV and Global) ran a tight ship. Hosting a debate is a tricky business, and this newsroom does not envy the moderator’s position (alright, maybe a little bit). But by sticking to such a strict […]
Why do Conservatives hate public television?
At the Tory leadership debate in Edmonton last Wednesday, the mere mention of the word CBC elicited boos. Loud shouts and hisses were quickly muffled by the microphones as the format for the event prohibited anyone from clapping, cheering, or booing. The format also prevented anyone from mentioning another politician’s name. When that happened, the […]
No big winners or losers in curious Conservative leadership debate, say strategists
During Wednesday’s first official Conservative leadership debate, several candidates had “their sights set on trying to blunt Pierre Poilievre’s momentum,” despite a “boring” format that was designed to be “controlled” and “civilized,” said longtime Conservative strategist Tim Powers. The shift from “royal rumble” debate in Ottawa on May 5 to the May 11 stage that […]
