7.27°C Vancouver

Aug 4, 2022 12:45 AM - The Canadian Press

Pierre Poilievre and Leslyn Lewis skip Conservative leadership debate; Jean Charest criticises the decision

Share On
pierre-poilievre-and-leslyn-lewis-skip-conservative-leadership-debate-jean-charest-criticises-the-decision
The Conservative leadership candidates who decided to show up for the last official debate of the race began by reflecting on what they've heard from Canadians throughout the contest. (Photo - The Canadian Press)

The Conservative leadership candidates who decided to show up for the last official debate of the race began by reflecting on what they've heard from Canadians throughout the contest.

Former Quebec premier Jean Charest started his opening statement by commending candidates Scott Aitchison and Roman Baber for appearing at the event.

Pierre Poilievre and Leslyn Lewis decided to skip, a decision Charest compared to a fish not wanting to swim in the ocean.

Charest says Conservatives feel tired of losing federal elections and pitched himself as the only candidate who could change that record.

Latest news

vancouver-island-man-sentenced-to-more-than-nine-years-for-child-exploitation-offences
BCApr 07, 2026

Vancouver Island man sentenced to more than nine years for child exploitation offences

A man from Tofino has been sentenced to more than nine years in prison after being convicted of multiple sexual offences involving minors he contacted online, according to police. In a statement, Port Alberni RCMP said Loki Tchir was sentenced on March 28 in Port Alberni on charges that include possession of child sexual abuse material and sexual interference involving a minor. Police said the sentence also imposes long-term restrictions following his release, including limits on employment, contact with minors and attendance at certain public places for a period of 15 years. According to RCMP
charges-approved-after-surrey-driver-struck-by-bullet-in-march-24-incident
BCApr 07, 2026

Charges approved after Surrey driver struck by bullet in March 24 incident

A 42-year-old man is facing multiple criminal charges after a driver was struck by a bullet in Surrey on March 24, according to a release from Surrey Police Service. Police say officers responded around 10:56 p.m. to a reported motor vehicle collision with injuries in the 10300 block of University Drive. According to Surrey Police Service, investigators later determined the victim had been driving northbound on University Avenue when they were allegedly hit by a Gun Shot. BC Emergency Health Services transported the injured person to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said. Th
carney-outlines-51b-federal-plan-for-local-infrastructure-housing-and-health-projects
CanadaApr 07, 2026

Carney outlines $51B federal plan for local infrastructure, housing and health projects

Prime Minister Mark Carney says the federal government will invest $51 billion over the next decade to address infrastructure gaps across Canada, with funding directed toward municipal projects, housing and health care facilities. Speaking in Brampton on Tuesday, Carney detailed how the Build Communities Strong Fund, first announced in the 2025 federal budget, will allocate $27.8 billion for core infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and water and sewer systems. A further $6 billion is earmarked for community-level projects, including recreation centres. According to the Prime Minister’s of
good-samaritan-killed-two-injured-in-highway-16-crash-near-witset-police-say
BCApr 07, 2026

Good Samaritan killed, two injured in Highway 16 crash near Witset, police say

A man who stopped to help a stranded driver on a northern British Columbia highway was killed when an SUV struck a parked pickup, according to BC Highway Patrol. Police said the crash happened at about 8:30 p.m. Thursday on Highway 16 near Witset after a grey flatbed pickup pulled over due to mechanical issues. Two passing drivers stopped and got out to assist. Investigators say a Chevrolet SUV then collided with the stationary pickup and the people outside the vehicles. A 60-year-old man from Witset was pronounced dead at the scene. A 45-year-old man from Calgary and the 42-year-old driver of
trump-warns-a-whole-civilization-will-die-tonight-if-a-deal-with-iran-isnt-reached
WorldApr 07, 2026

Trump warns a 'whole civilization will die tonight' if a deal with Iran isn't reached

Iranian officials urged young people to form human chains to protect power plants, as U.S. President Donald Trump warned that a ``whole civilization will die tonight'' if Tehran does not meet his latest deadline. Trump wants the Islamic Republic to agree to a deal that includes reopening the crucial Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, airstrikes hit two bridges and a train station in Iran, and the U.S. struck military targets on the Iranian oil hub of Kharg Island. The attack marked the second time theisland was hit by American forces. Trump has extended previous deadlines but suggested the one set

Related News