Poilievre’s access to official residence in question after losing seat - The Globe and Mail

Pierre Poilievre's Residence Status

After losing his seat in the recent Canadian election, the question of whether Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre can continue residing in Stornoway, the official residence of the Leader of the Opposition, has arisen. The Official Residences Act states that Stornoway is for the "Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons," a position Poilievre no longer holds.

Legal and Political Interpretations

Political scientists offer differing perspectives. Philippe Lagassé emphasizes that convention, not strict rules, will determine the outcome. The House of Commons Procedure and Practice guide indicates that if the party leader lacks a seat, the Official Opposition caucus can designate another member as leader. Nelson Wiseman suggests the Conservative party must decide, possibly allowing Poilievre to remain until a by-election, while Lagassé notes that the Prime Minister could influence the timeline.

Potential Scenarios

• A swift by-election favorable to Conservatives could allow Poilievre to retain Stornoway.
• A delayed by-election might lead to another Conservative MP taking over the leadership role and residing in Stornoway.

The Privy Council Office stated that the matter rests with the Conservative Party to decide, while Poilievre's office didn't respond to queries.