22.71°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

AlbertaJul 07, 2026

Coal mining petition falls short of threshold, organizers consider court challenge

A citizen-led petition seeking to halt new coal mining projects in Alberta has failed to meet the number of verified signatures required to compel government action, according to Elections Alberta. The agency said it verified about 172,000 signatures from nearly 196,000 submitted through the "Water Not Coal" petition. The total falls below the approximately 178,000 valid signatures required under Alberta's citizen initiative legislation. Country musician Corb Lund, a spokesperson for the Water Not Coal campaign, said the group believes the verification process was invasive and flawed. Lund arg
AlbertaJul 07, 2026

Edmonton doctor sent ambulance bill after helping save patient's life; charge later cancelled

An Edmonton doctor who called an ambulance while helping save a patient's life has raised questions about Alberta's ambulance billing system after receiving the transportation bill himself. According to Alberta Health Services, the incident happened on June 19 during a basketball practice at a school in the Riverbend area. Dr. Ian Sutanto said a fellow player suddenly collapsed after suffering a cardiac arrest. He immediately performed CPR while an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) available at the school was used to assist before emergency crews arrived. The patient was transported to ho
astronaut-jeremy-hansen-to-leave-canadian-space-agency-in-september
CanadaJul 06, 2026

Astronaut Jeremy Hansen to leave Canadian Space Agency in September

Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen is leaving the Canadian Space Agency after announcing he will step down in September to pursue new professional opportunities, the agency said. Hansen, who made history earlier this year by taking part in NASA's Artemis 2 mission around the Moon, informed the agency of his decision to leave the astronaut corps. According to the Canadian Space Agency, he will continue serving as a reservist with the Royal Canadian Air Force after his departure. The Canadian Space Agency did not provide additional details about Hansen's future plans or identify the professional o
AlbertaJul 06, 2026

Warm weather expected to return to Calgary after stormy weekend

Warm and dry weather is expected to return to Calgary following a stormy weekend, with above-seasonal temperatures forecast over the next seven to 10 days. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, heat warnings may also remain in effect for parts of Alberta during the period. Central and southern Alberta are expected to see near-seasonal temperatures on Monday, with Calgary forecast to reach a high of 22 C. Temperatures are then expected to climb through the week, ranging between 25 C and 29 C. Smoke from ongoing wildfires in the Northwest Territories and Saskatchewan could drift in
smith-ford-unveil-proposed-alberta-ontario-oil-pipeline-route-at-calgary-stampede
AlbertaJul 06, 2026

Smith, Ford unveil proposed Alberta–Ontario oil pipeline route at Calgary Stampede

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have unveiled the proposed route for a west-to-east oil pipeline that would transport crude from Alberta to Ontario without crossing into the United States. According to an announcement by the Alberta and Ontario governments, the proposed pipeline would extend approximately 3,300 kilometres from Hardisty, Alta., to refineries in Sarnia, Ont. The Ontario government said the project would have the capacity to move up to 500,000 barrels of crude oil per day and could reduce Canada's reliance on imported refined petroleum products. Smith

Related News