It only took one ballot for the membership of the Conservative Party of Canada to choose its new leader.
On Saturday night Pierre Poilievre was named the successor to leader Erin O’Toole, winning the leadership in a convening fashion. He garnered 68.15 per cent of the vote on the first ballot, with the next closest candidate Jean Charest, pulling 16.07 per cent of the vote.
“Tonight begins a journey to replace an old government that costs you more and delivers you less with a new government that puts you first, your paycheck, your retirement, your home, your country,” said Poilievre in his speech following the vote.
His acceptance speech focused on inflation, spending, housing and developing resources while fighting climate change with technology, rather than taxes. He also spoke about struggles in energy and agriculture.
“This government’s high energy taxes and proposed fertilizer cuts will only drive food production abroad, to more polluting foreign jurisdictions, which would have them burning fuel to ship, train and truck that food back to us. Didn’t we learn how irresponsible it was to rely on the rest of the world to provide us with our essentials during COVID? A Poilievre government would repeal the taxes and fertilizer mandates to get them out of the way and off the back of our farmers so we can grow affordable food, feed our people and be the breadbasket of the world.”
MP for Battle River-Crowfoot Damien Kurek has supported Poilievre during this campaign and reached out to congratulate him on his success.
“Over the course of the last eight months, Pierre connected with Canadians, who responded in an unprecedented way. Folks shared their struggles, fears, and hope… and now a change is needed in Canada,” said Kurek. “Led by Pierre, our Conservative team is ready to get to work and continue to hold the Trudeau Liberals to account in Parliament while showing all Canadians that Canada’s Conservatives can be trusted to get our nation back on track.”
Kurek also reached out to the other candidates who ran for leadership.
“It takes great courage to put your name on the ballot. I commend Scott Aitchison, Roman Baber, Jean Charest, and Leslyn Lewis for their service to our nation and their participation in the democratic process,” said Kurek. “I would also like to thank the Hon. Candice Bergen for her leadership and poise while serving as our interim leader. Her contributions to Canada and the conservative movement are immeasurable and will always be appreciated.”