Conservative Convention Reveals Divisions on Social Issues, Charts New Course
The Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) concluded it’s national convention in Calgary this weekend, revealing deep fissures within the party on key social issues while solidifying its commitment to core conservative principles. Approximately 2,700 delegates debated and voted on around thirty political resolutions,signaling a potential shift in the party’s direction as it prepares for the next federal election.
Policy Showdown in Calgary
The convention saw 62 motions submitted by constituency associations, with the National Policy Committee ultimately approving 31 for consideration. While a number of proposals passed with overwhelming support,several ignited contentious debate,highlighting the diverse viewpoints within the Conservative base. Notably, a motion to revisit the party’s position on abortion rights was blocked by the committee, preventing a potentially divisive vote.The proposal, originating from the Similkameen-South Okanagan-West Kootenay riding association in British Columbia, sought to remove a longstanding commitment – in place as 2005 – that a Conservative government would not legislate on abortion.
Despite the blockage, the issue of abortion remains a point of contention. During the last election campaign, Conservative leader Pierre poilievre affirmed his commitment to maintaining the status quo, stating, “It’s their choice, it’s they who will continue to decide.” This policy has been in place for 21 years,and its future remains a subject of internal discussion.
Conversion Therapy Debate Sparks Outrage
Perhaps the most controversial vote centered on the legalization of “conversion therapy,” framed by proponents as a matter of parental rights. The motion, narrowly rejected by delegates, asserted that “parents have the right to use discussion therapy focused on body affirmation for their child who is confused about their gender identity” and opposed the federal ban on the practice.
Conversion therapy, defined by the Government of Canada as an attempt to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, has been outlawed nationwide since 2021, and in Quebec since 2020. Critics point to the harmful and hazardous nature of these practices, which have included methods like fasting, intensive prayer, and even hypnosis. Despite the ban, the debate within the Conservative party underscores ongoing tensions surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and parental autonomy. The vote required a “double majority” – support from a majority of delegates and a majority of delegates from each province – and ultimately fell short, with onyl 31.25% of quebec delegates voting in favor, compared to 66.97% in Saskatchewan.
One supporter of lifting the ban argued it was a necessary measure to protect individuals within LGBTQ communities, while another claimed rejecting the motion would further divide Conservative activists. Conversely, proponents of the motion emphasized the need to protect the rights of parents who oppose gender-affirming care for their children.
Other Key Resolutions
Beyond these contentious issues, the convention saw strong support for several key Conservative priorities. Delegates overwhelmingly approved resolutions supporting the right to self-defense (91%), opposing safe supply programs for hard drugs (95.6%), and strengthening the Criminal Code (97%). A important 77% of delegates voted in favor of defunding CBC/Radio-Canada, a long-held goal of many within the party.
The debate over the public broadcaster saw a clash between Conservative MPs, with Rachael Thomas of Lethbridge accusing CBC/radio-Canada of “liberal propaganda,” while Gérard Deltell of Louis-Saint-Laurent-Akiawenhrahk urged delegates to differentiate between the English and French-language services.
Additionally, the party endorsed a motion – named after psychologist Jordan Peterson, who lost his professional accreditation over controversial views – prohibiting professional orders from revoking accreditation based on controversial opinions (68.4%). Other approved resolutions included abandoning measures promoting diversity (91.88%),combating AI-generated disinformation (70.82%),opposing a central bank digital currency (79.89%), protecting heritage sites (97.56%), and strengthening the Ethics Commissioner’s powers (82.32%).
The outcomes of the Conservative convention signal a party grappling with internal divisions on social issues while reaffirming its commitment to core conservative principles. The path forward for Pierre Poilievre and the CPC will depend on navigating these tensions and presenting a unified front to voters as the next election approaches.
