The federal Conservative Party is making efforts to mend relationships with provincial leaders following public tensions with both Ontario and Nova Scotia’s Progressive Conservative premiers last year. Pierre Poilievre’s new campaign manager, Steve Outhouse, reached out to Tim Houston and Doug Ford’s offices in December to move past a period of public criticism. Sources indicate that these outreach calls were a top priority, with Outhouse being viewed as a potential mediator due to his positive connections within both Houston and Ford’s teams.
The focus of the calls was to emphasize the interest of Poilievre’s team in establishing a cooperative relationship with the provincial parties and expressing a willingness to collaborate. Three sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the outreach effort and indicated a mutual desire from all sides to move forward.
Outhouse, a native of Nova Scotia, will be attending the provincial Progressive Conservative annual meeting in February and has been engaging with other provincial PC or Conservative teams nationwide. Recognized for his campaign experience in various regions, including Newfoundland and Labrador, Alberta, and New Brunswick, as well as in federal leadership bids, Outhouse stressed the importance of uniting Conservatives across the country to secure victory in the upcoming federal election.
The strained interactions between Poilievre’s team and the two premiers were evident before, during, and after the previous federal election. In Ontario, tensions escalated with accusations of resource withholding and lack of support from the federal party during the provincial election. Houston also acknowledged past tensions with Poilievre’s former chief adviser, Jenni Byrne, calling for introspection within the federal Conservatives.
In a bid to repair relationships post-2025 election, Poilievre’s team has been actively working on reconciliation efforts. Recent public support from Poilievre towards Ford and his stances on various issues, including trade matters, indicate a shift towards rebuilding ties. Poilievre’s outreach extends to former leadership rival Patrick Brown, with visible efforts to strengthen alliances through meetings and public endorsements. The impact of these efforts on the premiers’ offices remains uncertain as both have not commented on the matter.
Poilievre is set to undergo a leadership review at the party’s convention in Calgary later this month, marking a crucial moment for his leadership within the Conservative Party.