ARJUN SINGH: CPC convention was a revealing and memorable glimpse into the country’s Conservative movement
After three days as a non-member observer at the 2026 Conservative Party of Canada convention in Calgary, I feel I came away with a pretty clear sense of the party’s priorities: affordability, public safety, smaller government, pride in Canada’s post 1867 history, resource development, free speech, and a strong national defence. The message was all about rewarding hard work and merit rather than identity politics, and championing workers and youth. Many attendees openly rejected ideas around social justice, climate action, or diversity and inclusion. This summary of my experiences is my own and I have likely missed out pieces people may want to hear about. Happy to answer any questions here. Also, I know others who attended the convention might have a different set of takeaways and thoughts. I will try to get captions on most of the photos here soon. Thanks to my MP Frank Caputo and my good friend from electoral reform campaigns in BC, Bruce Hallsor, for being generous wi...