A local Conservative MP is pleased but not surprised her party leader received a ringing endorsement from the membership.
Helena Konanz, who represents Similkameen—South Okanagan—West Kootenay, said she had not spoken to any party members who didn’t support Pierre Poilievre prior to a leadership review at the party’s convention in Calgary in late January. Delegates voted 87 per cent in favour.
“I knew it would be at least above 80 [per cent],” Konanz said. “So it was great that it was almost 90.”
But why keep a leader who lost the last election and allowed a significant lead over the Liberals to evaporate?
“Because he’s inspiring so many people across the country, and you could see it if you were watching what was happening at the convention,” Konanz said. “He has the right message for what we need now in our country. People acknowledge that and they want to follow him.”
Konanz said she doesn’t think Poilievre’s message is changing. While she agrees Canadians are concerned about international trade, relations with the United States, and becoming more self-reliant as a nation, she feels domestic issues are just as important, like access to health care and the price of groceries.
Konanz said she doesn’t want or expect another election anytime soon.
“I don’t think so. I really don’t think that is what people want in Canada. We just had an election 10 months ago. I think that as a parliament, we can work together and make life better for Canadians. And Conservatives are helping do that by influencing other parties to go back to addressing what matters most to Canadians.”
