Reform Party founder Preston Manning believes the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) can take advantage of anti-sanitation movements such as truckers in Ottawa.
I think this is a true expression of populist sentiment that can be a huge source of political energy if properly managed and taught.he said. This is the challenge to populist movements.
Mr. Manning was in the federal capital to attend the conference Canada is strong and free, a three-day event that brings together other CCP stalwarts, MPs and members. The meeting was coordinated by a conservative organization founded by Manning himself.
Five of the six leadership candidates clashed several times in the first debate on Thursday on whether or not they support the protesters who took over downtown Ottawa this winter. Brampton, Ont., Mayor Patrick Brown did not participate.
Opposition to forced vaccinations in some areas and the wearing of masks became a popular rallying cry for the party. Leadership candidates Pierre Poilievre and Leslyn Lewis are relying on that growl to sell membership cards and raise funds.
The large mobilization in Ottawa in February reminded Mr. Manning of the events surrounding the establishment of the Reform Party. Given the frustrations raging in Western Canada, the party has tried to translate that energy into policies such as budget balancing and Senate reform.
The Reform Party eventually became the Canadian Alliance, which eventually merged with the federal Progressive Conservative Party to form the current Conservative Party.
Stick to conservative values
Acting Federal Conservative Leader Candice Bergen believes the party will not attract failed liberals by being quasi-liberal, but rather by staying true to its principles.
Ms. Bergen said in a virtual address that the file of freedom convoy and its effects are among the biggest challenges the party caucus has faced since its MPs ousted former leader Erin O’Toole in early February, shortly after protesters arrived.
We know it’s confusing because of people’s impatience with protests, especially here in Ottawahe said about the party’s decision to vote against using the Emergency Act. But we decided to follow our valuesshe pointed out.
Some observers described the leadership race as a choice for members between right-wing populism embedded in the convoy and refocusing the party to defeat the Liberal government.
He argued that Justin Trudeau even dragged Liberals to the left on the Canadian political spectrum, leaving some senior activists looking for a different path. Ms. believes. Bergen that the Conservative Party can accept these failed Liberals, but remain steadfastly true to its values.
We don’t give them a place in our party by being light liberalshe says. We welcome them into our conservative home by being conservative.
She owes her current role in part to Erin O’Toole’s attempts to moderate some of her platform’s policies in hopes of gaining more support from voters at the center.
The interim leader also encouraged leadership career candidates to follow one of Preston Manning’s advice and avoid personal attacks.
Source: Radio-Canada
