From National Unity to Freedom: Tory Leadership Candidates Share Visions During First Debate

Conservative leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre (R) walks past Jean Charest as he takes his place onstage during a debate at the Canada Strong and Free Network conference, in Ottawa on May 5, 2022. Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press

Restoring democracy, national unity, freedom, respect—those were some of the main themes brought forward by the Conservative Party leadership contenders during the first debate of the race on May 5 in Ottawa.

Six candidates have been approved to run by the party, and all but Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown participated in the unofficial debate organized by the Canada Strong & Free networking conference.

Roman Baber

Independent Ontario MPP Roman Baber, who was booted out of the Ontario Progressive Conservative caucus for standing up against pandemic lockdowns, was born in the Soviet Union and linked his personal experience with that system to his appreciation of Canadian democracy.