Big voter turnout needed for Conservative victory, Poilievre tells hometown Calgary crowd

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre brought his message of change to Calgary on Friday, where his supporters are hoping for minimal change as the Liberals push for multiple victories in the predominantly Conservative city. Speaking to a crowd of over 3,000 people, Poilievre emphasized the importance of ensuring all friends and relatives vote in Monday’s election.

“Are you going to reach out to all the people who may have given up on life and tell them that there’s hope if they vote for a change?” Poilievre asked the crowd. “We need the biggest voter turnout in Canadian history to deliver the change that Canadians need.”

This event was a return for Poilievre to a political stronghold, as nine out of 10 seats in Calgary went Conservative in the last election. Poilievre’s personal ties to the city, having been born and raised there, added a sense of homecoming to the rally.

Focusing on the longstanding sentiment among Conservatives that the Liberals have not supported Alberta’s oil and gas industry, Poilievre promised that a Conservative government would “stand up” for the West. He emphasized that Albertans and residents of the prairies deserve to be treated fairly and fully as part of the country.

Throughout his speech, Poilievre punctuated his sentences with the phrase “for a change,” highlighting his desire to end the 10-year rule of the Liberal party and overcome the narrow lead that polls have shown for Mark Carney’s party.

The event took place in a private jet hangar near Calgary International Airport, where Poilievre made a dramatic entrance in his jet bearing his name in massive blue letters. The impressive backdrop added to the energy of the rally, which drew a larger crowd than Carney’s event held three weeks earlier.

While the Liberals have hopes of gaining seats in Calgary, the Conservatives have focused on their policy platform aimed at boosting development in Alberta’s oil and gas sector. Poilievre pledged to slash various Liberal climate and energy regulations to support the industry.

Supporters at the rally expressed their enthusiasm for Poilievre’s message of change and hope. Moira Schrader, an oil and gas worker, voiced concerns about the future under a continued Liberal government. Another attendee, Kelly Main, expressed confidence in Poilievre’s ability to win, but also highlighted the concerns of some voters who may be swayed by the Liberal’s economic policies.

Overall, Poilievre’s rally in Calgary showcased his commitment to bringing change to Canada and supporting the province of Alberta. With the election just days away, the Conservative leader continues to rally support and make his case for why Canadians should choose his party for a new direction.