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Conservatives have 'a lot of soul-searching to do,' says Finance Minister Champagne

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  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 15:03 GMT by Toronto Star
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Conservatives have a lot of soul‑searching to do, says Finance Minister Champagne

The Toronto Star’s “Rolling File” column opened with a stark observation from Finance Minister John Champagne: “Conservatives have a lot of soul‑searching to do.” Champagne’s remark, delivered in the House of Commons after the 2024 federal election, is a pointed call for the party that has been in power for a decade to pause, reflect, and reassess its direction.

The context: a party in decline

The Conservatives’ performance in the 2024 election was a disappointment that reverberated across the country. While the Liberal Party held a slim majority, the Conservatives fell 12 seats short of a government‑sized caucus. The loss was attributed not only to a fractured party platform but also to a perceived failure to address pressing issues such as climate change, affordable housing, and income inequality.

Champagne’s comment was therefore less an indictment of individual MPs and more a diagnosis of systemic problems. “We promised Canadians a return to fiscal responsibility, but we have delivered a policy package that is both costly and inconsistent,” Champagne said. “Our fiscal plan is not aligned with the reality of a carbon‑constrained world.”

Key policy areas needing introspection

Fiscal policy

The Conservative Party’s 2024 platform called for a significant reduction in corporate tax rates and a sweeping tax cut for middle‑class families. The plan also advocated for a “single‑border” approach to provincial tax collection, which critics argue will strain federal finances. Champagne pointed out that the party’s fiscal strategy is out of step with the federal debt trajectory: “We need a balanced budget that also keeps the debt at a manageable level.”

Climate change and energy

A contentious point in the campaign was the Conservatives’ approach to carbon pricing. While they pledged to maintain the existing carbon tax, they also promised to subsidize renewable energy projects. Champagne emphasized the urgency of a more comprehensive strategy: “If we are to win the trust of Canadians, we must commit to meaningful investments in clean energy and a credible climate plan.”

Social policy

The Conservatives’ stance on immigration and social services has been a point of division. Champagne highlighted that the party’s rhetoric on “border security” has alienated many voters, especially in provinces like Ontario and Quebec. “We must ensure that our policies reflect the values of all Canadians, not just a narrow base,” he said.

Internal party tensions

Champagne’s remarks came at a time when the party is dealing with internal fractures. The Western wing, led by a coalition of MPs from Alberta and Saskatchewan, has been pushing for a “pro‑business” agenda that includes a reduction in environmental regulations. Meanwhile, the Central Canada caucus has been advocating for a more inclusive, centrist platform. The tension has led to a loss of unity that Champagne warns is costing the party votes.

The road ahead

In his speech, Champagne called for a “concrete, time‑bound review” of the party’s platform. He urged senior leaders to convene a cross‑sectional committee that includes former MPs, policy experts, and community representatives. “We cannot simply rebuild the same house with the same blueprints,” he said. “We need a new foundation that is built on the realities of our economy and the aspirations of Canadians.”

The party’s leadership is already in motion. The Conservative caucus announced a special meeting on November 10, 2024, to discuss a new fiscal framework and a climate plan that would be ready for the upcoming policy conference in January. Meanwhile, the party’s policy team is expected to release a revised platform by mid‑January that aims to address the “policy gaps” identified by Champagne and others.

Follow‑up material

The article linked to the House of Commons’ video archive of Champagne’s speech. The recording, released on the official Parliament website, shows him addressing a crowded chamber, emphasizing the need for “civic honesty” and a “policy overhaul.” In the video, Champagne also references the 2023 “Canada Economic Review” by the Fraser Institute, which highlighted the fiscal risks of the current Conservative proposals.

Another link directed readers to the Conservative Party’s 2024 platform PDF, which outlines the party’s stance on key issues. The document presents a comprehensive tax plan that includes a 5% corporate tax cut and a 1.5% reduction in personal income tax for families earning less than $60,000. It also contains a section on “clean energy initiatives,” promising $5 billion in subsidies for solar and wind projects over the next decade. Critics argue that these measures are insufficient compared with the Liberal government’s $10 billion climate package.

A third link led to a CTV News article summarizing the election results by province. The piece confirmed the Conservatives’ loss of 12 seats overall, including a significant swing away from the party in Ontario, where they lost 18 seats compared with 2019.

In sum, John Champagne’s statement serves as both a warning and a roadmap. The Conservative Party, he argues, must do more than promise fiscal restraint; it must craft policies that resonate with the evolving priorities of Canadians. Whether the party can rise from this introspective moment remains to be seen, but the need for a fundamental shift is clear.