File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Curtis Goodrum

CONSERVATIVE CONVENTION

Kamloops-Shuswap-Central Rockies MP Mel Arnold believes party chose right in Calgary

Feb 4, 2026 | 10:55 AM

OTTAWA – The Canadian Conservative Party Conference was held in Calgary last week and drew nationwide attention, with a critical vote held for the parliament’s official opposition leader. Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre reaffirmed his position, with just over 87 per cent of those in attendance voting in favour of his continuing as leader.

Member of Parliament for Kamloops-Shuswap-Central Rockies Mel Arnold was in attendance and said it’s one of the most lively party conferences he’s been to.

“It was obvious that we are a big-tent party. There were people from all walks of life, all beliefs at the convention, and everyone was free to express their opinions and had an input on the policies that moved forward. That’s just the indication of how open and Democratic the Conservative Party of Canada really is,” said Arnold.

Arnold says he was part of the block that voted for Poilievre, and he has ‘absolute confidence’ in his leadership capabilities.

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“That was pretty evident with the 87.4 per cent. Maybe it was half on one side that thought he should have been further in one direction, and the other half on the other side. There were only 6 per cent on the fringes who weren’t fully supportive of the leader. It really wasn’t a, a big block anywhere,” said Arnold.

The MP from Kamloops-Shuswap-Central Rockies believes if an election were to be called today, the federal Conservatives would be more than ready and Poilievre would be the right person to lead the party into an election.

“Whenever there’s a minority government, you really just have to be ready to go the next day. We don’t want to see Canadians forced into another election. It’ll be Mark Carney who will have to make that decision. We’re offering to help in any way with legislation that’s going to help Canadians,” said Arnold.

Poilievre would still need a win over the incumbent Liberals with recent Angus Reid Institute polling suggesting Mark Carney is the most favoured to be prime minister among federal Canadian leaders.