Conservative leadership hopefuls debate future of party, trade Netflix suggestions
Global News
After a fractious debate last week, the Conservative Party focused their English-language tilt on the lighter side -- but candidates still found opportunities for contrast.
The six candidates for the Conservative leadership squared off in Edmonton Wednesday night in a debate that showcased their differing visions for the future of the party, and also what they’re currently watching on Netflix.
After a fractious unofficial debate in Ottawa last week, the Conservative party used the leadership contest’s single English-language debate to try and highlight the candidates’ lighter side — including questions about what music they listen to, what they’re currently reading, and the last thing they “binge watched.”
If a candidate referenced a rival during the debate’s early rounds, the party piped a “sad trombone” sound effect through the room and moved on.
But despite the gimmicks and an unconventional line of questioning, the candidates — who aspire to lead a G7 nation — also found time to highlight their divergent perspectives on what the Conservatives need to do to regain power after three straight general election losses.
“This is the key question,” said Jean Charest, the former Quebec premier who once led the federal Progressive Conservative party.
“Everyone knows that the Trudeau government needs to get out of office and they’re looking to the Conservative Party of Canada as the national alternative. And the question they’re asking themselves is this: are you up to the task?”
“We need to unite the party around freedom,” said Pierre Poilievre, the Carleton MP and perceived frontrunner in the campaign.
“When we unite the party along that consistent principle of freedom, then we bring all the various parts of our party together and we electrify and excite a new generation of young people that I’ve been bringing into the coalition so that we can form the next government and beat Justin Trudeau.”