‘Poisoning the well’

Dear Editor:

For many years, even as someone who doesn’t always vote Conservative, I believed that conservatism played an important role in Canada.

The Conservative Party often spoke to real issues facing Canadians. It raised concerns about affordability, accountability, and responsible governance in a way that resonated far beyond its base. In that sense, conservatism – not the party label, but the philosophy – was a constructive and necessary voice in our political landscape.

That’s why MPs like Michael Chong have stood out. His work on the Reform Act was a rare example of courage and principle, grounded in integrity and a commitment to strengthening our institutions.

But the current direction under Pierre Poilievre is deeply troubling. The shift toward division, grievance and imported American-style rhetoric is poisoning the well. It no longer reflects the thoughtful, responsible conservatism many Canadians respected – even those who never voted for it.

As someone who values conservative principles without being a Conservative supporter, I now find the party nearly unrecognizable. Voices like Mr. Chong’s are needed more than ever to remind us of what principled conservatism can be.

Sherif Abdelazim,
Guelph