The Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, is gearing up for a potential election, confident in their financial resources and aiming to capitalize on the Liberals' leadership transition. The upcoming election's focus is likely to shift from carbon pricing, as Liberal frontrunners pledge to eliminate consumer carbon taxes. The Conservatives face new economic challenges due to US tariffs on Canadian goods, which complicate Poilievre's plan to address the budget deficit. The party is actively preparing its candidates and campaign strategies, leveraging its financial advantage to maximize pre-election spending.
Pierre Poilievre ’s Conservatives are confident they have the financial resources to defeat the Liberals in the next election. For two years, they have positioned the upcoming election as the “ carbon tax election,” emphasizing the Liberals’ carbon-pricing program as a key issue. Now, contenders vying to replace Prime Minister Trudeau are promising to eliminate the carbon fuel charge for consumers. \Meanwhile, a significant challenge has emerged for Canadians: the cost of living. U.S.
President Biden’s imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods, announced Friday, is expected to have a severe impact on the Canadian economy. This development complicates Mr. Poilievre’s pledge to “fix the budget,” as his plan could be hindered by a multibillion-dollar bailout package to support the Canadian economy. He previously opposed the scale of stimulus spending during the pandemic, fearing it would contribute to inflation and deficits. \The Globe and Mail spoke with 12 Conservatives, including current and former Members of Parliament, candidates, strategists, and long-time organizers, about how the rapidly evolving political landscape might alter the party’s strategy. These individuals requested anonymity to offer candid insights. While Mr. Poilievre continues to assert that the election will be a “carbon-tax election,” insiders acknowledge that a referendum on carbon pricing won’t be the central theme of the next campaign. This isn’t simply because Liberal leadership frontrunners Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland are both pledging to abolish consumer carbon pricing. The Conservatives have responded by accusing them of deception or attempting to mislead Canadians.\Mr. Poilievre will likely portray whoever wins the Liberal leadership as “just like Justin,” connecting them to the past decade of Liberal governance, including carbon pricing. Conservative insiders point to a phrase Mr. Poilievre is increasingly using as evidence of this shift: “Canada First. Canada Last. Canada Always.” The Conservatives have always intended to soften Mr. Poilievre’s aggressive persona by 2025, aiming to present him as a more statesmanlike figure. For instance, a recent campaign-style event at a construction site featured Mr. Poilievre in a suit and tie, rather than his usual casual attire for such occasions. As the Conservatives prepare for a potential election in mid- to late March, they are actively assessing their readiness. They have held regional meetings with candidates to ensure they are prepared for a swift campaign. With over 225 of 343 candidates nominated, the party boasts a diverse roster that includes First Nations leaders, long-time party loyalists, activists, former provincial and municipal politicians, police officers, and business owners. The Conservatives’ current financial resources exceed the election-spending limits, allowing them to continue their strategy of maximizing spending before the limits take effect. Their online advertising campaigns, in particular, demonstrate this approach, as they test various ad types on different demographics. Some ads focus on Mr. Poilievre himself, while others target his potential rivals
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