While Poilievre, Lewis each pay $50,000 to snub last leadership debate, Charest shows up, but optics weren’t great ‘with the tier-two leadership aspirants,’ says Nanos

Absent candidates Pierre Poilievre and Leslyn Lewis made their appeals to voters in-person and on social media, opting to take a $50,000 fine instead of appearing on stage with Jean Charest, Scott Aitchison, and Roman Baber.

Conservative leadership candidates Pierre Poilievre, left, and Leslyn Lewis took a pass on the campaign’s third and final official leadership debate on Aug. 3, while Jean Charest, Roman Baber, and Scott Aitchison met at a roundtable in Ottawa for the event. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and handouts

News

BY IAN CAMPBELL

August 5, 2022

Without ever naming his chief rival for the leadership of the Conservative Party, Jean Charest attacked Pierre Poilievre from his opening remarks of the third and final debate of the campaign on Aug. 3, comparing a politician who does not want to debate to “a fish who says he doesn’t want to swi...

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Today’s Headlines Newsletter

Your quick scan of the news you need each weekday to be the smartest person in the room.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy