Massive Conservative Rally in Edmonton Signals Strong Support for Pierre Poilievre

By Mindi Soren

In a stunning turn of events, Thomas Keeper, the Liberal Party of Canada’s initial choice to contest the Calgary Confederation riding in the upcoming federal On April 7, 2025, Edmonton became the epicenter of Canadian political fervour as an estimated 15,000 people gathered in Nisku, just south of the city, for a Conservative Party rally led by Pierre Poilievre. The event, billed as a “Canada First Rally,” drew unprecedented crowds, marking it as one of the largest political gatherings in Canadian history. With former Prime Minister Stephen Harper introducing Poilievre, the rally underscored a surge in grassroots enthusiasm for the Conservative leader’s vision as the federal election on April 28 approaches.

A Historic Turnout

Held in an industrial warehouse at 41 Business Park, 3815 8 St, Nisku, AB, the rally saw highways clogged with traffic stretching for miles as supporters converged on the venue. Attendees reported walking over a kilometer from parking spots on side streets and nearby business lots, with some describing a “caravan” of people heading north toward the event. The sheer scale overwhelmed local infrastructure, with reports of cell tower capacity being knocked out due to the volume of people.

The Conservative Party had advertised the event with doors opening at 7:00 P.M., but supporters began arriving hours earlier, eager to hear from Poilievre and Harper. Inside the massive venue, the crowd swelled to what organizers and observers estimated at 15,000—a figure that dwarfs previous political rallies in Canada. The energy was palpable, with spontaneous renditions of “O Canada” breaking out, including one emotional moment when Poilievre’s microphone failed, prompting the crowd to take over in song.

Stephen Harper’s Endorsement

A highlight of the evening was the appearance of Stephen Harper, who took the stage to introduce Poilievre—his first return to the federal campaign trail since his 2015 election loss. Harper, still a towering figure in conservative circles, praised Poilievre as a leader with “an actual policy plan” and the “energy and youth” to guide Canada into a stronger future. “I have known him a quarter of a century. He worked hard, he fought, and he learned,” Harper told the roaring crowd, drawing a sharp contrast with Liberal Leader Mark Carney, whom he also referenced from his time as prime minister.

Poilievre, beaming alongside his wife Anaida and Harper, called the former prime minister “the greatest of the 21st century” and credited him as his political mentor. The endorsement added significant weight to Poilievre’s campaign, signalling unity within the Conservative Party at a critical juncture.

Poilievre’s Message: A Call for Change

Poilievre’s speech was a blend of familiar themes and pointed critiques, delivered with the polish of a seasoned campaigner. He lambasted the Liberal government under Justin Trudeau for a “lost decade” of economic decline, high housing costs, inflation, and a “revolving door justice system.” He also took aim at Carney, referencing a recent report of Chinese election interference linked to the Liberal leader—a scandal that has stirred controversy in the campaign’s final weeks.

Central to Poilievre’s pitch was a vision of Canadian self-reliance. Fresh off a West Coast tour where he promised to expedite environmental assessments for major infrastructure projects, he doubled down in Edmonton, vowing to build pipelines, LNG plants, and resource infrastructure to make Canada a global leader in energy and innovation. “The world needs our resources and our expertise,” he declared. “If Mr. Trump doesn’t want them, the rest of the world does.”

Poilievre also championed the trades, calling for “boots—not suits”—a message that resonated in Alberta’s oil country. He highlighted the potential of AI data centers, quipping that Ottawa already has plenty of “artificial intelligence,” and promised policies to boost investment in Canadian companies, including a “Canada First TFSA Top Up” to allow an extra $5,000 in annual tax-free savings.

A Unified Conservative Front

The rally wasn’t just about Poilievre. Chief Billy Morin, a Conservative candidate in Edmonton, led the crowd in singing “O Canada,” reinforcing the party’s appeal to national pride. Supporters like Sheila and Catherine from Edmonton voiced a common sentiment: “People need to know who Pierre is and who Mark Carney is. Carney will destroy Canada if Pierre isn’t elected.” The event painted a picture of a movement gaining momentum, with attendees energized by a sense of urgency and purpose.

Political Implications

With just three weeks until election day, the Edmonton rally signals that Poilievre’s campaign is hitting its stride. Despite polls showing a tight race with Carney’s Liberals, the turnout suggests the Conservatives are mobilizing a passionate base—a critical factor in a contest where voter turnout could decide the outcome. Political analysts note that Edmonton, a city with a mix of NDP and Conservative strongholds, could be a bellwether for Alberta and beyond.

The rally’s size and fervour also put pressure on Poilievre’s opponents. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, campaigning in Toronto on the same day, and Carney, rallying in British Columbia, face a Conservative wave that appears to be cresting at the right moment. For Poilievre, the message was clear: “Let’s bring it home.” Whether that translates into votes on April 28 remains to be seen, but the Edmonton rally has undeniably set the stage for a dramatic finish to the 2025 federal election.

Mindi Soren is a freelance journalist and writer for Veritas Expositae

You can reach her at mindi.soren@veritasexpositae.com