Branden Leslie secured re-election in Portage-Lisgar with historic voter support, while the Conservative Party captured 42 per cent of the national popular vote—its strongest showing since 1988. Leslie thanked constituents for their trust and vowed to advocate for rural priorities in Ottawa, despite the Liberals forming a minority government under Prime Minister Carney.
“Humbled” by local support
Leslie notes his campaign knocked on “thousands of doors” to hear concerns about affordability and economic uncertainty.
“I’m just so incredibly thankful [to] the people of Portage-Lisgar placing their trust in me once again to be their voice in Ottawa.”
The MP says his team ran a “professional and sophisticated campaign” that likely earned the riding’s highest-ever vote count. Nationally, conservatives gained two dozen seats but fell short of forming government.
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Minority government challenges ahead
Leslie adds the Liberals will need support from the NDP or Bloc Québécois to pass legislation, predicting a fragmented parliament.
“The Liberals are going to need to work across party lines on an issue-by-issue basis. That’s not going to be all that easy.”
He criticizes Prime Minister Carney for adopting conservative policy ideas during the campaign, urging action on energy development and internal trade barriers. Leslie also warns the carbon tax could resurfaces under “a different name,” pledging to oppose it.
Trump tariffs, rural priorities loom
The MP acknowledges fears about U.S. tariffs impacted the campaign but stresses focus on Canadian solutions.
“The President of the United States is going to do what he’s going to do. What we can do here is unleash our economy.”
Leslie reaffirmed commitments to rural infrastructure and energy projects, stating conservatives will “hold this Liberal government to account every step of the way.”
Parliament resumes in three weeks.