Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre easily passed a mandatory leadership review, securing 87.4 per cent support from party delegates. The vote took place Friday night during the party's national convention in Calgary, where 2,558 ballots were cast, representing 95 per cent turnout among more than 2,500 delegates.

The ballot question was straightforward: "Do you think Pierre Poilievre should stay as leader of the Conservative Party?" Poilievre's result surpassed former leader Stephen Harper's 84 per cent endorsement in 2005 following an election loss. The review was required under party rules after Poilievre assumed leadership in 2022.

Poilievre delivered a campaign-style keynote address shortly before the vote, emphasizing affordability, the dignity of work, crime, immigration, and economic growth. He blamed a decade of Liberal governance for fueling separatist sentiments in Alberta and Quebec, vowing to respect provincial autonomy and unite Canadians around shared history. Adopting a more optimistic tone, Poilievre highlighted personal sacrifices, including time away from family, to restore the "Canadian promise" for younger generations. He addressed U.S. tariffs indirectly, stressing Canada must remain "united and strong" without bowing to any nation.

Party members praised the outcome. Steve Outhouse, Poilievre's campaign manager, called it a "really clear mandate from our membership" and a boost ahead of the next election. Former deputy leader Lisa Raitt described Poilievre's hold on the party as an "iron grip," stronger than Harper's. MP Leslyn Lewis said the result showed embraced unity, adding, "Canada desperately needs Pierre Poilievre to become the next prime minister."

The strong endorsement came despite a turbulent year. Conservatives lost the April 2025 federal election to Liberals under Prime Minister Mark Carney, squandering a double-digit polling lead. Poilievre lost his Ottawa-area seat but returned via a safer Alberta riding. Three MPs defected or resigned amid dissatisfaction with his style, and recent polls show low personal favourability ratings with Liberals ahead.

Delegates expressed concerns over potential further defections that could tip Parliament toward a Liberal majority. A small minority opposed Poilievre, with one delegate comparing him to past unsuccessful leader Robert Stanfield. Still, no challengers emerged, solidifying the control built since 2022.

Poilievre's team distributed voting guides to delegates and held extensive outreach, contributing to the decisive win. Supporters like Alberta Premier Danielle Smith voiced backing via video. The result allows focus on election preparations, including town halls and youth outreach, amid calls for minor campaign tweaks rather than an overhaul.