New from NCC President Peter Coleman in the Western Standard.

The Future Still Appears Bright For Conservatives

By Peter Coleman, President, National Citizens Coalition

Last week’s election was a bruising one for conservatives, and for many in the West. The results hit hard, leaving a bitter aftertaste and a whirlwind of emotions. But as the dust settles, there’s a powerful story of hope emerging: a surge in young conservative voters, record-breaking turnout, and a growing foundation for a stronger, freer Canada. As one of Canada’s leading conservative advocacy groups, the National Citizens Coalition is proud to have played a role in this movement, and with your unwavering support, we’re far from done.

The NCC ran a principled, issue-driven campaign, powered by supporters from every corner of this great country. Together, we tackled the issues that matter most: curbing rampant crime, reforming unchecked immigration, confronting reckless fiscal mismanagement, and offering hope to younger generations yearning to afford homes and start families. Our message cut through the noise, reaching north of ten million viewers and listeners across the digital platforms and across key radio stations in Battleground Ontario. Our ads blanketed battleground ridings like York Centre, and parts of Southwestern Ontario, helping boost Conservative victories and denying a Liberal majority. Out West, our focus on real issues—energy, affordability, and accountability—resonated deeply, helping to flip a few key seats in British Columbia, and laying a foundation for future gains.

While we share in the disappointment of many, the numbers paint a vivid picture of progress. Canada saw the highest voter turnout in 31 years, the largest common-sense voter share in modern history, and the most significant growth in young conservative voters ever recorded. Under-55s voted overwhelmingly in support of hope and change. Pierre Poilievre’s message resonated with millions—working families, immigrant communities, and especially youth—who believe in a plan to fix what’s broken and restore Canada’s promise. This wasn’t just an election, it was a movement, and one that showed young Canadians are ready to shape their country’s future.

We faced headwinds that shifted the tide. President Trump’s interference and clear preference of Mark Carney gave the Liberals a convenient bogeyman to exploit, allowing them to benefit from a powerful rally around the flag effect. The NDP’s lackluster campaign, with Jagmeet Singh’s pathetic reign now complete, cost dozens of seats and torched his own party’s credibility. Yet, even in this crisis, where many Liberal-boomer voters rallied around the same flag they had repeatedly pulled down, we held the Liberals short of a majority. For that, we tip our cap to fellow third-party organizations and tireless volunteers who worked alongside us. Their efforts, from grassroots campaigning to amplifying each other’s messages, made a tangible difference in key ridings, ensuring the Liberals couldn’t steamroll to unchecked power.

These relative gains, while not the sweeping victory we hoped for, represent a foundation to build on.

Canadians have made a habit of weathering storms and emerging stronger. We’ve already shifted the national conversation—challenging the carbon tax, defending our energy sector, and pushing for immigration reform. These fights are far from over, and with your continued support, we’ll keep amplifying the concerns of working Canadians, ensuring they’re not ignored by Ottawa’s elites.

Canada is worth fighting for. The rise of young conservatives, record voter engagement, and the resilience of our people -- and leaders like Danielle Smith and Pierre Poilievre -- shows a nation ready to reclaim its potential and its values. The NCC, alongside our allies and volunteers, will keep pushing with unwavering resolve. The future is bright, and together, we’ll build a Canada that once again delivers on its promise for all.

Peter Coleman is the President of the National Citizens Coalition.