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As Canada’s federal election campaign enters its final hours, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is making a last-ditch effort to energize his base across Western Canada, promising an end to what he calls the “lost Liberal decade.”
“This election comes down to one word — change,” Poilievre declared at his final scheduled news conference in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Despite the momentum at his rallies, signs of vulnerability are emerging. While Poilievre is working to maintain dominance in Alberta and Saskatchewan and capture seats from the NDP in British Columbia, polls suggest the Liberals remain strong in the critical, voter-rich provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
According to Daniel Westlake, a political science professor at the University of Saskatchewan, the late focus on Alberta and Saskatchewan may indicate that the Conservatives are playing a bit of defense. “Still,” he added, “I wouldn’t overstate it.”
At a rally in Saskatoon, emotions ran high. Supporters like Glen Scheider praised Poilievre as a “rockstar” capable of reversing Canada’s economic decline. “The quality of life has gone straight down the toilet,” Scheider said, standing in a long line to enter the event.
Others echoed his concerns. Andrew Smith, who traveled from Swan River, Manitoba, with his son, voiced frustration with the cost of living. “We’re desperate for change,” he said. “If we don’t get it now, I don’t know if Canada can recover.”
However, beyond the sea of Conservative blue, subtle shifts are occurring. In traditionally safe areas like Saskatchewan, tradesman Julian Meier expressed reservations. Citing concerns over a potential trade war with the U.S. and former President Trump’s influence, Meier said he believes Liberal Leader Mark Carney is better positioned to stand up to American pressure. “I trust him a bit more than Poilievre,” he admitted.
Though experts agree it remains unlikely the Liberals will win many seats in Saskatchewan, they could gain ground in Calgary, where Poilievre held another high-energy rally Friday night. Westlake noted that a few Calgary ridings “are in play,” and that the Conservatives are fighting to defend them.
Voter Doreen Melnyck, speaking in Saskatoon, said both Poilievre and Carney are “strong” candidates. Her main concern is preserving Canada’s historically close relationship with the United States. “We’ve always been good neighbours,” she said. “That’s huge.”
But the stakes are high for Poilievre and the Conservatives. Western alienation — the feeling of being sidelined by national politics — could intensify if the Conservatives lose to the Liberals for a fourth consecutive time. Political expert Ken Coates warns it could trigger a major political reckoning in the West.
“If this happens again, Western Canada will seriously question its loyalty to the Conservatives,” Coates said. “They won’t switch to the Liberals — that’s unthinkable for many — but they will start looking for new alternatives.”
Regardless of the outcome on Monday, many, like Melnyck, are calling for national unity. “No matter who wins,” she said, “we need to stick together.”
