Conservative Party members from across Canada are set to engage in pivotal debates on social and immigration policies at their upcoming national convention in Calgary. The gathering, scheduled for later this month, marks the party's first major meeting since its loss in the 2025 spring election.
Key Policy Proposals on the Table
Late on Thursday, the party released a comprehensive list of policy resolutions submitted by grassroots members from local riding associations. These proposals will be presented to delegates for a vote, offering a clear signal of the membership's priorities.
One of the most significant resolutions seeks to delete a clause from the party's official policy declaration that states, "a Conservative government will not support any legislation to regulate abortion." This move is championed by the well-organized social conservative bloc within the party's ranks.
However, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has personally vowed not to reopen the abortion debate if his party forms government. His wife, Anaida Poilievre, has publicly described the couple as "pro-choice" in a previous French-language interview.
Social Issues and Poilievre's Economic Focus
Beyond abortion, other socially charged proposals are slated for discussion. Another resolution advocates for endorsing "parental right to body-affirming therapy for kids" who may be "gender-confused." It explicitly opposes the federal ban on conversion therapy, arguing it criminalizes parents seeking such talk therapy for their children.
These social policy debates present a contrast to the economic message Poilievre has consistently advanced since becoming leader in September 2022. His public focus has remained squarely on affordability concerns and a tough-on-crime agenda, as he aims to criticize Prime Minister Mark Carney's government on cost-of-living issues.
Conventions historically serve as a platform for the grassroots to push leadership on specific issues and indicate the desired direction for the party. While members will vote on these policy changes, as leader, Poilievre retains the discretion to decide whether to advance any endorsed resolutions.
Aligning with Leader's Stance on Crime and Immigration
Many of the submitted proposals do align with Poilievre's established positions. Several resolutions call for a tougher stance on crime, including one that echoes Poilievre's own pledge to amend the Criminal Code. This change would presume that the use of lethal force is reasonable for Canadians defending their homes against intruders.
On immigration, multiple proposals advocate for a more restrictive approach. These include supporting an end to the Temporary Foreign Workers Program and calling for faster deportations of non-citizens convicted of serious crimes.
Additional resolutions target diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, seeking to amend the party's policy direction in this area. The convention will also feature a vote on Poilievre's future as party leader, a standard review process following an election loss.
Calgary Hosts Pivotal Gathering
The choice of Calgary as the host city underscores the party's strong base in Western Canada. Delegates will converge to shape the party's constitution and policy book, setting the stage for its strategy leading into the next federal election.
The breadth of topics—from abortion and conversion therapy to DEI, immigration, and criminal justice—highlights the diverse and sometimes competing priorities within the Conservative coalition. The outcomes of these debates will be closely watched as an indicator of the party's internal dynamics and its policy trajectory under Poilievre's leadership.
