The problem facing the Conservatives is as obvious as it is intractable — unless real change is made. The form of neoconservativism ushered in by Stephen Harper has morphed into angry authoritarianism under Pierre Poilievre. It will not sell in Canada and the electoral record proves it.
I think it had more to do with Trudeau being PM for almost 10 years and people were looking for change. If he stuck around, Liberals would potentially be third place. Because the Liberals found someone much better than Trudeau, it made Pierre even less likeable and he was either unable or unwilling to be more moderate to steal votes from other parties. Even in the last week, Pierre was talking about ending ‘wokeism’ and removing the ban on plastic straws. Those 2 issues aren’t issues more Canadians care about so why even mention it? He needed to appear more centrist which is where Carney is.
If the CPC can find a relatable leader that doesn’t court the extreme-right in Canada, they have a great chance of forming government. That’s a big if.
The CPC deeds to de-reform itself and go back to pre-Preston Manning/Stephen Harper days. Until then, they’re all complicit, regardless of who leads them.
Much like MAGA took over the Republican Party, The Reform Part (later the Canadian Alliance) essentially took over the narrative after first breaking off from and then later rejoining the Progressive Conservatives.