Conservative Party of Canada
A clear guide to the Conservative Party of Canada: its history, its centre-right ideology, where it stands on the economy and social issues, and its role in opposition under Pierre Poilievre.
Overview
- Country
- Canada
- Founded
- 2003
- Position
- Centre-right
- Leader
- Pierre Poilievre
- Headquarters
- Ottawa
The Conservative Party of Canada is the country's main centre-right party and the principal alternative to the Liberals. It favours lower taxes, a smaller federal government, free enterprise, and support for the natural resources sector. It is the official opposition, led by Pierre Poilievre.
The party brings together fiscal conservatives, social conservatives, and populist strands, and it draws particular strength in the Prairie provinces and rural Canada while competing hard in suburban areas.
History
The modern party was formed in 2003 by the merger of the Progressive Conservative Party and the Canadian Alliance, uniting the right after years of division. Under Stephen Harper it governed from 2006 to 2015, first in minority and then in majority.
After losing power in 2015, the party went through several leaders before Pierre Poilievre won the leadership in 2022 on a populist, anti-establishment message focused on affordability. The party led in the polls for much of the following period but fell short at the 2025 election, though it made significant gains and remained the official opposition.
Economic Policy
The Conservatives favour lower taxes, balanced budgets, and reduced regulation. They support the oil, gas, and mining sectors and pipeline development, and they have strongly opposed the federal carbon tax on affordability grounds. The party emphasises housing supply, cost of living, and cutting what it sees as wasteful federal spending.
Foreign Policy
The Conservatives support NATO, a strong military, and close ties with the United States and other allies, while emphasising Canadian sovereignty, particularly in the Arctic. They generally favour free trade and a robust defence of national economic interests.
Where They Stand
- Favours lower taxes, balanced budgets, and less regulation
- Strongly supports oil, gas, mining, and pipeline development
- Opposes the federal carbon tax on affordability grounds
- Emphasises housing supply and the cost of living
- Stresses law and order and a firm approach to crime
- Supports NATO, a strong military, and Arctic sovereignty
Electoral Record
The party governed under Stephen Harper from 2006 to 2015. After leading in the polls for much of 2023 and 2024, it improved its position at the 2025 election but did not win, remaining the official opposition. Poilievre lost his own seat at that election and later returned to Parliament through a by-election.
Position on the Political Compass
Conservative Party of Canada sits on the right-leaning side on economics and is moderate on questions of social freedom and authority.
These positions are approximate and meant as a guide. Take the test to see how your own views compare.
Key Figures
Stephen Harper
Prime Minister, 2006 to 2015
The first leader of the united Conservative Party to govern, overseeing tax cuts, free trade deals, and a cautious response to the global financial crisis.
Pierre Poilievre
Leader of the Opposition
Won the leadership in 2022 on a populist, affordability-focused message, leading the party to significant gains at the 2025 election though not to government.
Sources and Further Reading
- Conservative Party of Canada (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
- Official party websiteconservative.ca
- 2025 Canadian federal election (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
Where do you stand?
Take the CoreOpinion Canada political test to see how your views compare with Conservative Party of Canada and the other parties.
Take the Canada Test
Social Policy
The party spans a range of social views. Its leadership under Poilievre has focused on economic and affordability themes rather than social issues, while the base includes both socially moderate and socially conservative members. It emphasises law and order and a firm approach to crime.