The Conservative Party Convention in Quebec City ended on Sept. 9. While these types of events serve to energize the party faithful, they also provide an important indication of where things stand for the party, leader, and political movement.

Based on media reports and personal accounts, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre had the confidence of many delegates. He also has strong support among the grassroots and political establishment, who both believe he’s heading in the right political direction.

It’s true that policy proposals and debates at party conventions can occasionally become prickly or controversial. Some policy discussions have fallen completely off the rails, too. Parties of the left and right have both had to deal with these situations. The federal Conservatives found themselves in the midst of a controversial discussion about climate change during the 2021 convention, while the federal Liberals rejected proposals related to balanced budgets and mandatory voting this May.