The federal Conservative Party is working to mend relationships with provincial leaders following public tensions with the Progressive Conservative premiers of Ontario and Nova Scotia last year. Sources reveal that Pierre Poilievre’s new campaign manager, Steve Outhouse, reached out to both Tim Houston and Doug Ford’s offices in December to move past a period of public criticism.
Described as a “priority,” Outhouse, who officially assumed his role on December 1, was seen as a potential peacemaker due to his positive connections within both Houston and Ford’s offices. The outreach calls aimed to emphasize the Conservative team’s interest in fostering relationships with the provincial parties and collaborating effectively.
Three sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed the outreach efforts to CBC News, highlighting a mutual desire from all parties to move forward. Outhouse emphasized the importance of unifying Conservatives nationwide to secure success in the upcoming federal election, expressing respect for the diverse conservative voter coalition across the country.
Hailing from Nova Scotia, Outhouse plans to attend the provincial Progressive Conservative annual general meeting in February and has engaged with various provincial PC and Conservative teams nationwide. His campaign experience spans Newfoundland and Labrador, Alberta, New Brunswick, and involvement in Conservative MP Leslyn Lewis’s leadership bids in 2020 and 2022.
The strained relationships between Poilievre’s team and the two premiers surfaced before, during, and after the last federal election. Tensions in Ontario escalated during the federal campaign, with reports of delayed congratulations from Poilievre to Ford on his re-election. Ford’s team criticized the federal party for lack of support during the provincial election, leading to public disagreements and accusations.
Efforts to mend relationships post-2025 election have been ongoing, with Poilievre publicly supporting Ford and aligning with his stances on various issues. His outreach extends to former leadership rival Patrick Brown, indicating a broader effort to strengthen ties within the conservative movement. However, the impact of these efforts remains uncertain, as neither premier’s office responded to requests for comment.
Poilievre is set to undergo a leadership review at the party’s convention in Calgary later this month, marking a critical juncture in his leadership journey.