The Conservative Party is set to gather for its first caucus meeting since its disappointing federal election loss, with party members convening next Tuesday to consider their next steps — including the possibility of triggering a leadership review under the Reform Act.
An internal memo s confirms the meeting will be held to “exercise provisions set out in the Reform Act contained in Section 49 of the Parliament of Canada Act.” This legislation, introduced by Ontario Conservative MP Michael Chong in 2015, allows caucuses to vote on four key powers: removing and electing a party leader, selecting an interim leader, and governing caucus membership. If 20 per cent of caucus members sign a formal request, a leadership review vote can proceed, and a majority would be needed to oust the leader through a secret ballot.
The upcoming caucus meeting has sparked fresh speculation about Pierre Poilievre’s future at the helm, after leading the Conservatives to a fourth straight election defeat — and failing to retain his own seat. However, signs so far suggest he still has a firm grip on the party’s support. Former leader and now re-elected MP Andrew Scheer strongly defended Poilievre, calling him “absolutely” the right person to lead. “Pierre is a fighter, and he’s doing it for the people who have been left behind by this government,” Scheer said.
Poilievre has also received public backing from prominent Conservatives, including former prime minister Stephen Harper, who praised his performance in a post on X, highlighting the party’s growth in both seats and vote share. “He brought a new generation to the Conservative Party,” Harper wrote.
Behind the scenes, sources close to the campaign say Poilievre is already working the phones, reconnecting with grassroots supporters, and exploring paths to re-enter the House of Commons. But regaining a seat won’t be immediate. It would require a sitting Conservative MP to vacate their position and a byelection to be called — a process that could take months.
Despite Poilievre’s personal loss, the Conservatives posted strong numbers in the popular vote, earning over 8 million votes — or 41.3 per cent — their best showing since Brian Mulroney’s 1988 majority win. However, it still wasn’t enough to surpass the Liberals, who secured 43.7 per cent of the vote and another term in government.