A Quebec senator says Pierre Poilievre’s first week as Conservative leader has left him “comfortable” with his decision to leave the party.
Sen. Jean-Guy Dagenais had endorsed former Quebec premier Jean Charest in the recent leadership race, and hasn’t sat in the Conservative senators caucus since 2019.
Dagenais says he disagreed with Poilievre’s support of last winter’s trucker convoy in Ottawa and his proposal to fire the governor of the Bank of Canada.
READ MORE: Leaders square off on immigration, taxes and COVID in first debate
Get breaking National news
The senator says that’s why he decided to leave the party over the weekend following Poilievre’s massive victory, in which he found widespread support in Quebec.
Dagenais says watching Poilievre’s raucous first press conference with reporters this week affirmed his decision to leave, comparing the performance to that of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
He also calls it “unacceptable” that the Conservative party sent a text message to members in the riding of now-Independent MP Alain Rayes, who also left the party after Poilievre’s victory.
- Alberta premier says she won’t retaliate Trump’s latest threats with alcohol ban
- Forever Canadian says books are clean as Danielle Smith questions 3rd-party finances
- Elections Alberta validates separatist petition that’s tied up in court
- Doug Ford slumps to 24% approval rating amidst spending scandal
The party has since apologized for sending the message, which encouraged members to ask Rayes to resign.
-
![]()
Ken Coates on next steps for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre -
![]()
Conservatives putting Trudeau ‘on notice’ over affordability plan: Poilievre -
![]()
Queen Elizabeth II had ‘special place’ in Canadians’ hearts: Poilievre -
![]()
Conservatives have renewed confidence with Poilievre as leader -
![]()
Lethbridge reaction to Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative leadership victory -
![]()
Federal Conservatives elect Pierre Poilievre, new UCP leader coming in 3 weeks -
![]()
Trudeau congratulates Pierre Poilievre on Conservative leadership win, criticizes ‘buzzwords, dogwhistles’
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.