Former Conservative campaign manager Jenni Byrne says her party’s messaging on the relationship between Canada and the United States is evolving, and should continue evolving as the situation shifts.
Byrne, who is a significant figure in Conservative politics, believes that tying the trade war with the U. S. to the party’s main affordability message is essential for gaining political ground.
“I think you absolutely can do both.… I think it’s staying on top of things, being adaptable and seeing how that is actually going to affect Canadians’ day-to-day life,” Byrne said in an exclusive interview with .
Byrne mentioned emerging geopolitical threats and Canada’s changing relationship with its closest ally. “All of that, though, contributes to what is going on in Canada in terms of affordability,” she said.
She pointed out that issues like trade diversification, rebuilding the military, resource development, and building pipelines are all Conservative ideas that would strengthen Canada’s bargaining position.
WATCH | Former Tory campaign manager speaks to at Calgary convention:
Conservatives can focus on both affordability and U. S. issues, says former campaign manager
At the Conservative convention in Calgary, former campaign manager Jenni Byrne told her party ‘absolutely can do both’ when it comes to focusing on U. S. issues and affordability challenges in Canada.
Byrne ran the 2025 federal election for the Conservatives, which saw them gain seats and grow support but fail to form government despite previously holding a 20-point lead in polls. Poilievre also lost his Ottawa-area riding before running again in a byelection to reclaim a seat in the House of Commons.
The Conservative campaign faced criticism from some within the party for not being able to pivot regarding U. S. President Donald Trump at a time when his tariff threats helped bring newly-minted Liberal Leader Mark Carney into power.
A battle over ballot questions ensued, with Liberals preferring to focus on Trump’s aggressive trade policies while Conservatives sought to attribute high living costs to the governing Liberal party.
After the election and amid calls from within Conservative circles for her replacement, longtime organizer Steve Outhouse was brought on board for leading the next campaign.
Byrne expressed confidence about him leading into future elections – whenever they may come.
“I think he’s going to do a great job,” she said. “I’ve known Steve for over 20 years. When I worked for Prime Minister Harper, and I did staffing at the start of our government, Steve was one of the first people I met with.”
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Conservatives can focus on both affordability and U. S. issues, says former campaign manager
At the Conservative convention in Calgary, former campaign manager Jenni Byrne told her party ‘absolutely can do both’ when it comes to focusing on U. S. issues and affordability challenges in Canada.
Byrne ran the 2025 federal election for the Conservatives, which saw them gain seats and grow support but fail to form government despite previously holding a 20-point lead in polls. Poilievre also lost his Ottawa-area riding before running again in a byelection to reclaim a seat in the House of Commons.
The Conservative campaign faced criticism from some within the party for not being able to pivot regarding U. S. President Donald Trump at a time when his tariff threats helped bring newly-minted Liberal Leader Mark Carney into power.
A battle over ballot questions ensued, with Liberals preferring to focus on Trump’s aggressive trade policies while Conservatives sought to attribute high living costs to the governing Liberal party.
After the election and amid calls from within Conservative circles for her replacement, longtime organizer Steve Outhouse was brought on board for leading the next campaign.
Byrne expressed confidence about him leading into future elections – whenever they may come.
“I think he’s going to do a great job,” she said. “I’ve known Steve for over 20 years. When I worked for Prime Minister Harper, and I did staffing at the start of our government, Steve was one of the first people I met with.”
‘Thrilled’ by leadership results
Byrne had taken a break from running her consultancy firm ahead of and during the campaign but now states she advises Poilievre and caucus when they ask for help. “I advise Pierre and caucus and the party when I’m asked; anyone that knows me knows I provide advice even when I’m not asked. So I’m never too far away,” she said. She has also recently attended meetings of the party’s National Council where she represented Poilievre as part of their decision-making body.WATCH | Poilievre focuses on affordability in speech to Conservative delegates:
‘Conservatives see you,’ Poilievre talks about ‘unseen’ work in key speech focused on affordability
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre made an important prime-time speech addressing party delegates Friday night where he emphasized themes around affordability, respect for work dignity, and letting people take control of their own lives.She attended this weekend’s Calgary convention but played down her role as an organizer or behind-the-scenes contributor ensuring Poilievre had strong backing during his leadership review.
“I was a delegate; anything people needed help with-from delivering water to volunteers or assisting volunteers-was what I did,” she stated.
But she feels his result of 87.4 percent approval bodes well both for Poilievre himself as well as for Conservatives overall.
“I’m absolutely thrilled by those results.… Everyone’s leaving feeling united; very excited about taking on Liberals.”
Looking ahead to next election
In discussions with , Outhouse indicated that Poilievre’s result clearly signals enough support that it should settle any doubts concerning his leadership status. “I don’t think there’s ever really an end to naysayers; but right now that’s clear mandate from our membership-and now we can focus solely on prepping ourselves for election.” Said he added now that leadership review questions are settled , Poilievre intends traveling across Canada aiming towards expanding their voting base-particularly targeting young voters along with reaching out effectively towards first-time ballots casters.Source link
