Why Poilievre Deserves Another Shot at Leadership
Here’s why Pierre Poilievre's 41.4% vote share makes him worth keeping as CPC leader despite election loss
The Historic Success Behind the Election Loss
Canada's 2025 federal election delivered some surprising results. While Mark Carney's Liberals maintained power, the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) under Pierre Poilievre achieved something remarkable that many have overlooked amid the disappointment.
Let's take a look at what actually happened. Far from a failure, Poilievre's first election as Conservative leader resulted in one of the strongest showings in modern Canadian conservative history.
By the Numbers: A Record-Breaking Performance
The statistics tell an impressive story that deserves recognition:
Poilievre captured 41.4% of the popular vote - the highest percentage the modern Conservative Party has ever achieved since its 2003 founding
This percentage exceeds Stephen Harper's 39.6% that won him a majority in 2011
It surpasses any victory percentage achieved by Justin Trudeau, whose only majority (2015) came with 39.5%
The CPC gained more seats than Harper's minority government in 2008
As National Post columnist Tristin Hopper noted, "If Poilievre had brought a vote total of 41.4 per cent to any other federal election of the last 45 years, he would be prime minister." To find a conservative leader who performed better, you'd need to go back to Brian Mulroney in 1988.
What Really Happened?
So why didn't this translate into electoral victory? The answer lies in the unprecedented collapse of the NDP, which saw progressive voters consolidate around the Liberals in historic numbers.
The 2025 election effectively became a two-party race, with votes being split between Liberals and Conservatives - something we haven't seen since 1958. This wasn't about Conservative failure but rather about extraordinary circumstances creating a progressive voting bloc.
And let's not forget the Trump factor. The American president's comments about Canada during the campaign created an outside influence that dramatically shifted the electoral landscape. The fact that Poilievre still managed to garner such impressive results, despite this interference, speaks volumes about his connection with voters.
Connecting With Canadians Where It Matters
What makes Poilievre's performance particularly noteworthy is where he made inroads:
Significant success in traditionally blue-collar ridings
Strong appeal among younger voters (Millennials and Gen Z)
Impressive results in Ontario, even outperforming Premier Doug Ford's numbers
Successfully flipping seats from the NDP, particularly in British Columbia
These are strong demographics that represent the future of Canadian politics. Poilievre has demonstrated an ability to speak to everyday Canadians about issues that matter: affordability, housing, and economic opportunity.
The Seat Loss Context
Yes, Poilievre lost his own seat in Carleton. However, this requires context. The riding saw an extraordinary turnout of roughly 81.6% - virtually unheard of in Canadian elections. This wasn't about personal unpopularity but rather a targeted campaign to unseat the Conservative leader.
Targeted efforts against party leaders happen, but this loss doesn't diminish the broader success Poilievre achieved nationwide. Many successful political leaders have faced similar setbacks before ultimately leading their parties to victory.
Why Leadership Continuity Matters
Political momentum is hard to build but easy to lose. The Conservative Party finally has something it's been missing for years: a clear identity and message that resonates with a significant portion of the electorate.
Changing leadership now would mean:
Starting the momentum-building process from scratch
Potentially losing the connection established with key voter demographics
Giving the Liberals time to regroup without consistent opposition
The party has come too far to reset the clock. Poilievre has earned the right to build on this foundation.
Opportunities for the Party
Every campaign offers learning opportunities. Rather than changing leaders, the Conservative Party should focus on addressing challenges that prevented their popular vote from translating into electoral victory, like:
Continuing to refine their message
Broadening their appeal to centrist voters (without alienating their base)
Preparing for the next election with the advantage of experienced leadership
Build for the Future
In politics, context matters. Poilievre didn't just lead the Conservative Party to a respectable showing - he achieved historic results under extraordinary circumstances. That deserves recognition and, more importantly, another opportunity.
The Conservative Party has found a leader who can connect with Canadians across demographics and regions. Now it's time to build on that foundation rather than starting over.
What do you think? Should the Conservatives stick with Poilievre, or is it time for new leadership? Share your thoughts in the comments.