Last Thursday, the Conservative Party’s confirmed leadership candidates gathered in Ottawa for the first (unofficial) debate of the campaign. Is Pierre Poilievre still ahead of the pack? Did Jean Charest manage to stand his ground? Does Leslyn Lewis have what it takes to appeal to more than just social conservatives? Can anyone pick Scott Aitchison or Roman Baber out of a lineup? And where the heck was Patrick Brown? Here’s everything you need to know.
The Frontrunners
In the right corner, polling at 32%, undefeated in seven elections… Conservative Golden Boy and Bitcoin Bro Pierre Poilievre! And, in the left corner, hailing all the way from La Belle Province… Former Québec Premier John James “Jean” Charest! Ding ding ding!
The first debate saw Pierre Poilievre do what he does best – attack. While he did go into some detail on issues from housing to energy and from healthcare to central banking, that’s not what Conservatives are going to remember. They’re going to recall the well-rehearsed zingers and one-liners – of which there were plenty. Judging by the level of applause Poilievre received throughout the evening – and the boos directed toward his main opponent – that approach is clearly paying off.
Despite the hostile crowd, Charest was able to deliver a strong performance. He stood his ground. He spoke passionately about his record as premier. And he took a page out of Joe Biden’s debate playbook, laughing every time his opponents slapped him with the ‘L’ word. But party leaderships are taken, not given. Charest will need to find a way off the ropes if he wants victory to remain in the cards.
And then there was Leslyn Lewis. The Haldimand—Norfolk MP, who is currently polling in either third or fourth place, touted her “unique position” to broaden the party’s national appeal. She also shared some ambitious ideas regarding Canada’s natural resource development. Still, Lewis’ apparent fixation on family values, abortion, and “woke-ism” leaves a question mark hanging over her ability to reach a wider spectrum of voters. Don’t count her out just, but don’t bet the mortgage on her to go the distance either.
Parry Sound—Muskoka MP Scott Aitchison and former Ontario MPP Roman Baber performed well, but often struggled to rise above the shouting.
Baber spoke about welcoming greater diversity of thought within the party while simultaneously railing against lockdowns, vaccine mandates, and “the left-wing cancel culture mob.”
Aitchison, on the other hand, pleaded for everyone to just get along. He didn’t upset anyone, but he probably didn’t inspire anybody either.
Ultimately, both candidates should be commended for urging Conservatives to build a more civil discourse within their party and across the country. Yet, for a party that’s seeking an election win after what will likely be a decade in opposition – that’s not exactly the stirring rallying cry.
The Elephant (Not) In The Room
As for Patrick Brown? The Brampton Mayor opted out of the debate in favour of selling memberships out east and he certainly paid the price. Surprisingly, it was the debate’s moderators who took the biggest swing at the absent candidate. They accused him of “sowing division” and “manipulating diaspora politics to bolster his campaign.” Whether or not that’s a fair assessment, Brown certainly didn’t win any points by failing to show up and state his case.
What’s Next?
The candidates will next face off in Edmonton on May 11th, followed by a French-language debate on May 25th in Montreal. The deadline for Conservative party members to register is June 3rd and ballots will be mailed out starting in late July. The results are expected to be announced on September 10th.