According to the main interested party, it was not a pure coincidence but a conscious choice: the time has come to put an end to the “balkanization” of the different currents in the party and to unite under a banner.

“I’m here in Calgary, I’m here in Alberta because I’d like to make a point. The point I want to make is about the Conservative Party of Canada and about the country itself. This is why I chose to be here this evening with you,” said Mr. Charest in the preamble to his speech, after being introduced by Paul Haggis, an oil man and well-known senior civil servant in the region.

Jean Charest praised the legacy of “Alberta’s favourite son”, Stephen Harper, “who left a proud legacy, a legacy we will honour.” In the same vein, he made known his “respect” for the successors who failed to defeat Justin Trudeau, Andrew Scheer and Erin O’Toole.

In the oil capital of the country, Mr. Charest praised his contacts in the industry, his knowledge of the region, emphasizing his desire to build pipelines and highlighting in passing an “event that changed everything”: the war in Ukraine, which should allow Canada to better position itself in the world and supply Europe with oil.

“Where is Canada in this? Where is the country in the world that can supply them with gas and oil? And why can’t we do that?” launched Jean Charest to loud applause.

Understand the system

The former Quebec premier recalled in his speech, but also throughout the day, the extent of his experience in politics, an experience that gives him, according to him, an unparalleled understanding of the “federal system”.

“Me, if I am Prime Minister of Canada, I think it would give a breath of fresh air to Ottawa because they will have a Prime Minister who understands how the federal system works,” he said in an interview with Mario. Dumont earlier in the day.

Not worried about lag in polls

Mr. Charest begins the race with a significant delay in voting intentions compared to his main rival, Pierre Poilièvre. The latter receives the support of 41% of Conservative voters against a meagre 10% for the former Quebec premier, according to a Léger poll published Thursday.

“It’s not against [Pierre Poilièvre] that I’m campaigning, I’m campaigning because I think I would be a good leader given my record, my track record, my experience, then what I bring as a vision for Canada.”