Opinion | Two lessons for conservatives in Canada - Toronto Star
Star readers share their thoughts on recent political drama in British Columbia.
B.C. Conservative interim leader Lorne Doerkson, left, in Vancouver, on Sept. 22, 2026; and B.C. NDP leader David Eby, right, in Surrey, B.C., on Sept. 23, 2026.
What B.C’s political drama just taught Canadian conservatives about leadership, Sept. 27
The main problem with the British Columbia Conservatives at the moment is not so much Lorne Doerkson, the newly appointed interim leader who has given the party new energy and momentum; rather, it’s the party’s constitution, which states that interim leaders are prohibited from running for permanent leadership positions. This problem could be “fixed” with an amendment to that constitution, if one were agreed upon, but the interim policy is actually a good one, because it prevents someone from conveniently skipping a rung on the ladder.
In a not-so-identical scenario, Kim Campbell, who did win a leadership convention and suddenly became prime minister following Brian Mulroney’s resignation, was defeated in the election soon after. She was actually never elected prime minister, yet she is always referred to as a former prime minister and given all the attention that comes with it. In the corporate world, when a CEO leaves, the acting or interim CEO doesn’t eventually become the boss; they are only a caretaker.
The final story on the B.C. election has not been written, but there are two other messages for the federal Tories. There is a myth that a leader can be replaced only when a credible challenger emerges. Lorne Doerksen was on safari and mostly unknown; the Tories got back in the game simply by removing a divisive populist and choosing someone who seems like he might be welcome in a coffeeshop anywhere in B.C. The other lesson is that challenging the MAGA crew is helpful. It’s hard to imagine Kerry-Lynne Findlay or Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre calling U.S. President Donald Trump a bully as Doerksen did in his first appearance as leader.
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Opinion articles are based on the author’s interpretations and judgments of facts, data and events. More details
