Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Despite a strong national vote share and notable seat gains, Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative Party has once again fallen short of forming government, prompting soul-searching within party ranks.
According to Elections Canada, the Conservatives secured around 41% of the vote—a level not reached in decades—and are projected to win approximately 148 seats, a significant increase from the 120 seats they held prior to dissolution. Yet, with the progressive vote consolidating behind Mark Carney’s Liberals, the Conservatives were once again pushed into opposition.
It’s a bitter pill for a party that, only months ago, seemed poised for victory. Public opinion polls long favoured Poilievre, especially amid widespread dissatisfaction with the previous Liberal government under Justin Trudeau. But Trump’s trade threats and growing nationalist sentiment in Canada appeared to swing the pendulum late in the campaign.
Now the focus shifts inward. Poilievre, the third leader since the 2015 Liberal wave, faces questions about his future. Party members must decide whether to stay the course under his leadership or begin searching for a new figurehead to lead them into the next battle.
The coming weeks will likely see intense internal debate over strategy, direction, and leadership, as the Conservatives digest a campaign that delivered momentum but not enough seats.
