Conservative convention kicks off in Calgary. Here's what to expect
Federal Conservatives are gathering for a three-day convention in Calgary, with opening day set for Thursday, Jan. 29. It will feature the first federal Conservative leadership review since the party confirmed former leader and prime minister, Stephen Harper, following a defeat in 2004.
What is happening?
On Thursday, delegates will register and take part in the opening ceremonies and a Conservative Party reception.
According to the convention schedule , workshops will begin on Friday as attendees undertake a review of the party’s constitution and start to consider potential policy positions. Friday evening will feature the seminal event of the conference — a speech by Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre against the backdrop of a vote on his leadership, which will determine whether he stays on as leader in the wake of last April’s federal election loss.
Who will attend?
The convention will bring together voting delegates from Conservative riding associations across the country, as well as 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. However, some other conservative premiers, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford and and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, will not attend.
Who is speaking?
Pierre Poilievre has top billing. His speech is 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 adjusts speaker lineups and timing close, so a full list of MP speakers for Friday may only be available on the official convention agenda.
How will Poilievre’s speech be pivotal?
As Conservative delegates prepare to vote on his leadership in Calgary, debate has focused on Poilievre’s inability to lead the party to victory in the last election, falling favourability ratings and a handful of high-profile exits from the Conservative caucus to the Liberals.
The Conservatives won 41.3 per cent of the popular vote in the 2025 federal election, the highest number in the party’s modern history. They also gained 24 seats, in part due to victories in British Columbia and southern Ontario. However, they did not gain enough support to dislodge the Liberals from government.
When Poilievre takes to the stage on Friday, he will have to win over two very different audiences: party delegates who will cast their vote on his leadership and the broader Canadian public who will vote in the next election.
“He understands fully that this is a moment for him to deliver,” former Conservative cabinet minister Peter Mackay told National Post’s Stephanie Taylor.
Will 50% be enough?
Technically, Poilievre needs a simple majority of “yes” votes — 50 per cent plus one — in the leadership review to remain leader. However, the history of Canadian party leaders show they often step down or are eventually forced out if they get less than 70 or 80 per cent.
Alberta premier Jason Kenney resigned as leader of the United Conservative Party in 2022 when he received only 51 per cent support from party members. And in Ontario, Liberal Bonnie Crombie got 57 per cent in her review last year and resigned shortly after.
The last time a formal leadership review was held by the Conservatives was at the Conservative Party’s 2005 convention after its 2004 federal election defeat. Stephen Harper secured 84 per cent in a leadership review. He went on to become prime minister within a year. In the case of former leaders Andrew Scheer and Erin O’Toole, both were out before they faced a party member vote.
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