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Kelly McParland: What does 'conservative' even mean anymore in Canada?

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17.06.2026

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Kelly McParland: What does 'conservative' even mean anymore in Canada?

If Canada’s top Tories were in one room, they’d need interpreters — they share so little in common

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Someone needs to gather Canada’s Conservative leaders into a room together and press them on what it is they think they’re doing.

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First question: Other than the name, which in any case varies from place to place, just what is it you think you have in common? Is there anything about the word “conservative” you agree on?

Kelly McParland: What does 'conservative' even mean anymore in Canada? Back to video

I’m not being facetious. Maybe a little. Or maybe not. The whole notion of “conservatism” seems to be so open to interpretation it’s fair to wonder if even its proponents have a shared grasp of the concept.

The reason I ask stems from the new British Columbia Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s declaration that, as far as she’s concerned, the party she was narrowly chosen to head is all about “faith, family and freedom.”

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I doubt many Canadians are opposed to any of those three interests, but I also suspect many of them would also argue the role of a government is to........

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