As the federal campaign nears its conclusion, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is aiming to reassure his supporters in the west that what he calls the “lost Liberal decade” is finally ending.
“This election revolves around one word: change,” stated Poilievre during his last scheduled news conference in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
However, many people in the West might not experience the change they desire, especially if polls indicate a strong Liberal presence in the vote-rich areas of Ontario and Quebec.
“Considering the timing in the campaign, stops in Alberta and Saskatchewan indicate a need for some defensive strategies, but I wouldn’t exaggerate the situation,” explained Daniel Westlake, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan.
Poilievre is working to capture seats from the NDP in British Columbia and to prevent the Liberals from breaching the strong Conservative support in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
“Carney’s going to ruin our chances. No doubt about it,” said Glen Scheider while waiting to enter Poilievre’s rally in Saskatoon on Thursday evening.
The 60-year-old expressed his discontent with the decline in Canada’s quality of life, believing Poilievre has the ability to “make things right.”
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“He’s a superstar, honestly. Just look at the crowds he attracts.”
In long lines outside Poilievre’s rallies in the western provinces, we heard similar expressions of enthusiasm from his supporters.
“We urgently need a change in this country, and it’s clear,” remarked Andrew Smith, who traveled with his seven-year-old son from Swan River, Manitoba, to see the Conservative leader.
Smith, who works in the oil industry, mentioned that to make ends meet he has taken on a second job.
“Without some change in this country, I fear we may never recover,” he stated.
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Outside of the rally, some signs of change are appearing in Saskatchewan’s traditionally Conservative areas.
Julian Meier, a plumber, views Trump as a major concern and fears that tariffs against Canada will drive up costs.
In his opinion, Liberal Leader Mark Carney is best suited to confront Trump.
“I feel I can trust him more than Pierre Poilievre,” stated Meier.
It seems challenging for the Liberals to gain seats in Saskatchewan, except for one northern riding that might turn red. In the past two federal elections, every district in the Prairie province leaned blue.
However, Westlake believes the Liberals could make progress in Calgary, where Poilievre hosted another large rally on Friday night.
“There are likely a few Calgary seats up for grabs that the Conservatives are eager to protect,” he mentioned.
In Saskatoon, Doreen Melnyck refrained from revealing her support but believes both Carney and Poilievre are formidable candidates for prime minister. Her main worry this election is the growing tension with the U.S.
“We’ve always been good neighbors,” Melnyck remarked. “That [issue] is crucial.”
However, if Poilievre cannot secure a win Monday night, Western politics expert and retired University of Saskatchewan professor Ken Coats cautions of a potential backlash.
“We’re familiar with periods of Western alienation. This time, it might have serious consequences for Canada.”
If the Conservatives face a fourth consecutive defeat against the Liberals, Coats argues it will raise questions about the party’s future.
“Why would Western Canadians continue to support a Conservative party? They aren’t likely to switch to the Liberals, who have long been viewed unfavorably in the West… I believe they will explore other options,” Coates explained.
Amid the ongoing trade conflict with the U.S., Melnyck emphasizes the need for Canadians to unite, regardless of election outcomes.
“I hope we can remain united, no matter who wins.”
— with contributions from Gates Guarin
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