Randy Hoback was pleased not only to see Pierre Poilievre win the Conservative Party leadership but that he did so in emphatic fashion. (File Photo/Christian Diotte, House of Commons Photo Services)

By Rob Mahon

Hoback and Poilievre

Prince Albert MP has high hopes for new leader of Conservative Party

Sep 12, 2022 | 3:24 PM

Pierre Poilievre is the new leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, and Prince Albert MP Randy Hoback thinks that could mean good things for the party’s future and its chances in the next election.

Hoback spoke in support of Poilievre following his decisive win in the leadership race. His thoughts on the new leader appear to mirror those of party members in his riding who provided overwhelming support.

“He was the frontrunner right from day one and he presented a really strong campaign,” Hoback said. “Not surprising to see he won at the first ballot. He had roughly 78 per cent of the vote in the Prince Albert region.”

One thing that stood out to Hoback on Poilievre’s victory was the wide margin by which he won. The final total showed Poilievre with 68.15 per cent of the electoral points, which seems to show a party united behind a single candidate.

“Not only that, he won 330 out of 338 ridings,” Hoback said. “Not just to have support in one part of the country, he had support right across the country. That just shows we have a leader now that appeals to Canadians right across Canada from coast to coast to coast.”

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A leader that appeals to Canadians across the country is also big news for Hoback. Conservatives have struggled in the last several elections to make inroads in Ontario and Quebec despite strong showings out West.

“I think what you’re seeing here is a tired Liberal government that has no new ideas and has made some really bad decisions in the past that Canadians are now paying for,” Hoback said. “The inflation crisis that they’ve created is something that’s impacting Canadians right across.”

Hoback also praised the depth of candidates who put their names forward for the position and brought new ideas to the table. In the end, however, his party made its choice decisively.

“The party membership spoke very clearly that they thought Pierre was the best communicator, the best person to take the party into the next election, and who would have the best chance of being the next Prime Minister of Canada,” Hoback said.

When the House seats again on Sept. 19, Hoback said the Conservative Party intends to present its view on crime and issues with the ArriveCAN protocol.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP