Calgary and the CPC: Poilievre's Leadership Under the Microscope

Shifting Tides for Poilievre

New data from the Angus Reid Institute reveals a notable shift in support for Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, a development resonating deeply in Calgary, a critical federal Conservative stronghold. As his January leadership review approaches, the city watches closely. Recent findings show a declining majority of Conservative voters, now 58% (down from 68% in August), want Poilievre to lead the CPC into the next election.

The Quest for Broader Appeal

While most loyal Conservative voters believe the party is in the 'right place' politically, a segment feels it's 'too far to the right,' creating a delicate balance. Conservative pundits emphasize the need for 'one million more votes' beyond the eight million secured last election. The Angus Reid poll identified 22% of Canadians who would 'maybe consider' voting CPC.

Calgary's Centrist Challenge

Crucially, a majority (61%) of these potential 'maybe' voters want Poilievre replaced, highlighting the challenge in broadening the party's appeal. In Calgary's increasingly diverse urban ridings, attracting these centrist voters is vital. Centrists, a plurality of Canadian voters, largely view Poilievre unfavourably (64%) and believe he should be replaced (63%), with 38% seeing the CPC as 'too far to the right.' For Calgary, whose 2026 Economic Outlook links prosperity to stable federal policy, Poilievre’s pro-business stance aligns with local philosophy. However, failure to connect with centrists could hinder the CPC’s path to government, directly impacting policies favoured by Calgary’s business community. Calgary's deeply rooted conservative identity means any perceived federal party instability is scrutinized, with local MPs and MLAs prioritizing a unified federal front.