Conservatives fear ‘dysfunctional’ campaign and ‘civil war’ in the party: sources

Conservative infighting over how the campaign is handling U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats has spilled into the open, revealing a party in disarray. Sources within the party have described a campaign that is dysfunctional, disorganized, and characterized by centralized power and aggressive treatment of staff.

Multiple sources, who spoke to CBC News on the condition of anonymity, painted a picture of a campaign that is in chaos. They revealed that decisions have to go through Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s chief strategist, Jenni Byrne, creating a bottleneck in the decision-making process. This centralized power structure has left many feeling left out and uninformed, with some only learning their roles in the campaign hours before it officially began.

The sources also expressed frustration with the campaign’s lack of preparedness and its fixation on minor issues rather than addressing the public’s concerns about Trump’s treatment of Canada. The campaign’s failure to capitalize on the public’s unease over Trump’s tariff threats has led to a dramatic resurgence for the Liberals under their new leader, Mark Carney.

This tension within the party spilled into the open when veteran Conservative strategist Kory Teneycke publicly criticized the campaign, warning that it was on a path to disaster. Teneycke called out Poilievre’s “Trump-y” behavior and criticized the campaign’s focus on minor issues rather than addressing the central concerns driving voters.

The internal strife within the Conservative movement has been likened to a “civil war,” with tensions running high between various factions within the party. Sources described a toxic work environment characterized by bullying, belittling, and a pervasive atmosphere of fear.

Despite these challenges, some Conservatives defend the direction the campaign is taking, emphasizing the importance of focusing on issues like cost of living and affordability. However, others believe that the campaign needs to shift its focus to address the pressing concerns around Trump’s tariff threats and the deteriorating relationship between Canada and the U.S.

As the campaign grapples with internal divisions and external pressures, the future remains uncertain. The Conservative Party faces a tough road ahead as it seeks to regain momentum and connect with voters on the issues that matter most. Only time will tell if the party can overcome its internal challenges and present a united front in the upcoming election.