Listen to this article
Approximately 2 minutes
The audio version of this article was created using artificial intelligence technology. Pronunciation errors may occur. We work with our partners to continually analyze and improve results.
The runner-up in British Columbia’s recent Conservative leadership race called on Pierre Poilievre to avoid divisive comments after the federal Conservative leader took a dig at her campaign over the weekend.
In a video posted to social media on Thursday, Caroline Elliott said she had been a lifelong Conservative and personally supported Poilievre.
“I voted for you in your own race for leadership of the CCP. My family and friends donate to you with my support. I attended events and knocked on doors for you. Advocated for you on social media,” Elliott said in the video.
“So your MPs, and now you personally, celebrating my defeat in the BC Conservative leadership race is disappointing. The race is over and it’s time to unite, not divide.”
Elliott’s video was in response to comments Poilievre made at the Calgary Stampede event over the weekend. The federal Conservative leader nodded at the presence of Kerry-Lynn Findlay, who beat Elliott in the fourth round of voting in May.
Poilevre called the victory of his former faction colleague “a big wing against the liberal lobbyists from the east.”
British Columbia Conservative Party leadership candidate Kerry Lynn Findlay (right) speaks as Caroline Elliott watches a debate in April. Findlay beat Elliott in the final ballot to win the party’s top job. (Chad Hipolito/The Canadian Press)
The comment was seen by many as a shot at Elliott’s campaign manager, Corey Teneyke.
Before joining Elliott’s team, Teneycke ran successful campaigns for Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
Disagreements between Poilievre’s and Ford’s teams came to a head during last year’s federal election campaign, when Teneycke publicly criticized the Conservatives’ campaign, saying they would lose unless the leader focused his messaging on US President Donald Trump.
CBC News has reached out to Poilievre’s office for comment on Elliott’s remarks.
Anthony Koch, who worked on both Elliott’s re-election campaign and Poilievre’s 2022 federal leadership bid, reposted Elliott’s video, saying she was “top class.”
In her post, Elliott said she had been “in the remote area for several days” and only had a chance to respond on Thursday.
“I know that politics is about addition, not subtraction, putting the public interest before personal disputes,” Elliott said.
“I will continue to fight every day to bring people together for the future of my province and our country. I just hope you decide to do it too.”