Conservatives co-founder Peter MacKay said he expects Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to be elected the next prime minister. .“Canada, it is time,” said MacKay in a Friday speech at the Conservative Convention. .“It’s time to turn the page.” .MacKay said it is time for a new government and leadership that puts people first. It is time for a Conservative government led by Poilievre. .If Poilievre is elected, he said the Conservatives have an enormous task in front of it. The debt clock has never run so fast, the Canadian military is poorly equipped and disrespected and Canada’s image has been tarnished. .MacKay added Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is “more known for his socks and selfies than his seriousness.” With Trudeau being abroad right now, he said he hopes he is not dressing up. .MacKay called for people to right the ship of state, which is listening too much to the left. Canada must correct course to financial responsibility, fiscal accountability and honest government. .Under Poilievre, he said the Conservatives will deliver the change Canadians seek. With hardworking, dedicated Conservative MPs and members, he has every confidence it can do what it has done throughout its history. .To be clear, MacKay said Poilievre is not trying to impress pundits and World Economic Forum elites. He works every day to improve the lives of average Canadians. .While these people are called ordinary, he says they are extraordinary. MacKay acknowledged these extraordinary people include the first responders fighting wildfires across Canada. .With Poilievre as Conservative leader, he said it “will continue to come together as a party like never before.” The Conservatives will be certain of its identity, goals, and purpose. .“Let’s all work together to secure a safer, brighter future for all Canadians and finally fulfill what we know is Canada’s destiny and potential,” he said. .Conservative MP Stephanie Kusie (Calgary-Midnapore, AB) introduced MacKay by saying he co-founded the Conservatives. .“He served as the foreign affairs minister,” said Kusie. .“He served as not only the attorney general, but also the justice minister.” .While he was the defence minister, Kusie said he was the longest serving one during wartime. She praised his involvement in the Afghanistan War. .Poilievre asked Conservative members to donate money to reduce MacKay’s 2020 leadership election campaign debt in December. .READ MORE: Poilievre asks Conservative members to pay down MacKay’s campaign debt.“He now has the task of paying off the remainder of his campaign expenses, which as you can imagine, is a challenging feat after a leadership election has concluded,” he said. .“I am asking if you would support one of our Party’s own by helping him pay off the remainder of his campaign expenses, which can only be done through donations.”
