English
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is set to gather his MPs in Penticton, British Columbia, this week for a pre-parliamentary strategy session. The retreat comes at a difficult moment for the party. Poilievre heads into the fall sitting with the Conservatives trailing Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals by double digits in national polling.
According to polling aggregator 338 Canada, the Liberals currently hold 46 per cent popular support. The Conservatives, meanwhile, sit at 33 per cent. The gap represents a significant challenge for Poilievre as the House of Commons prepares to return on September 21.
Stay connected to every major update — subscribe and follow us on the PhoenixQ website and across our social media platforms.
A Summer of Internal Friction
Beyond the polling numbers, Poilievre also spent the summer managing internal tensions within the broader Conservative movement. A public dispute with Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s campaign manager, Kory Teneycke, drew significant attention. While congratulating former MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay on winning the leadership of the BC Conservatives, Poilievre described the result as a victory over “liberal lobbyists” from Eastern Canada. Many observers interpreted the remark as a direct shot at Teneycke, who had worked on a rival campaign.
Teneycke responded publicly, suggesting Poilievre’s time as leader may be limited. Findlay’s leadership also faced early difficulties. Several MLAs left the BC Conservative Party publicly, citing concerns about her leadership. Throughout the summer, a number of prominent Conservative voices weighed in on the party’s direction and future.
Poilievre Strikes a Campaign-Style Tone
Despite the internal turbulence, Poilievre struck a familiar tone ahead of the Penticton retreat. His remarks on Tuesday closely echoed the messaging he used during the 2025 federal election campaign.
“The promise of Canada – that if you work hard, you get a great life, a home you can own, food you can afford, a safe street to live on – that promise is broken after 11 years of Liberal government,” Poilievre said. He added that saving Canadians money remains the party’s “single biggest immediate priority.”
Poilievre also took aim at Prime Minister Carney directly. He accused Carney of focusing on “summits and signing ceremonies” rather than delivering results for voters. The comment referenced the Canada Investment Summit held in Toronto this week, where the federal government is working to attract one trillion dollars in foreign investment.
EU Partnership Debate Draws Scrutiny
Poilievre also questioned Carney’s efforts to strengthen Canada’s partnership with the European Union. He suggested, without government support for the claim, that closer EU ties could force Canadians to pay taxes to the bloc or adopt its immigration policies. The government has not proposed either measure.
“We want Canada to have free trade with Europe, cooperation with Europe, but we never surrender our independence and sovereignty over our laws, our tax money, and our immigration policies,” Poilievre said.
However, new polling data complicates that position. Abacus Data released findings on Monday showing that 80 per cent of Canadians support deeper cooperation with European nations on foreign policy, defence and economic priorities. That figure includes a strong majority of Conservative voters.
Abacus CEO David Colletto noted that 92 per cent of Liberal voters and 92 per cent of NDP voters support closer EU cooperation. Among Bloc Québécois voters, support reaches 86 per cent. Even among Conservative voters, 69 per cent expressed support for deeper ties with Europe.
The House of Commons returns on September 21. Poilievre will need to demonstrate renewed momentum and party unity as Parliament resumes and the Liberals maintain a commanding lead in the polls.
