Conservative candidate says he’s heard Poilievre criticism from voters

A Conservative candidate, Stephen Curran, admitted during a forum in the North Vancouver—Capilano federal byelection that he has heard criticisms of party leader Pierre Poilievre from voters. The event took place on August 31, 2023, and was held at the Amica Lions Gate senior’s residence in West Vancouver. The audience member questioned Curran about the Conservative party's lack of cooperation with the Liberal government and other opposition parties.

Curran responded that while he does not believe Poilievre and the Conservatives are inept collaborators, he acknowledged that the Conservative party often criticizes and offers direction to the current government. He emphasized that the role of the official Opposition is to criticize and propose solutions, and he is committed to doing so in a respectful and constructive manner.

Curran also mentioned that Mr. Poilievre and the rest of the Conservative caucus are not on the ballot, placing the responsibility on the voters to decide whether he can be a constructive representative for them in Parliament.

Curran is scheduled to attend a campaign rally with Poilievre in North Vancouver on Saturday. Poilievre's popularity has been declining since his party's loss in the general election last year, with 60% of respondents expressing an unfavorable view of him in June. The Conservative party is reportedly disheartened, with concerns about fundraising and infighting leading to MP defections to the Liberals.

Despite these challenges, Poilievre remains resolute in his campaign, citing his victory in the leadership vote at the Conservative party convention and the presence of numerous MPs supporting his cause.