Poilievre to attend AFN annual general assembly for first time as Conservative leader

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is set to attend the Assembly of First Nations upcoming annual general assembly for the first time since he took the party helm.

Spokesperson Sebastian Skamski says Poilievre will attend the assembly's July meeting in Montreal and deliver a keynote address.

Poilievre is also set to participate in a question-and-answer session with chiefs, some of whom have expressed skepticism about his promises on reconciliation.

The Conservative leader has met with chiefs to tell them that he would stay out of their way as prime minister, especially when it comes to generating economic growth for their communities.

His planned attendance comes as a newly elected national chief is attempting to make inroads with the party after tensions with past Conservative governments.

Poilievre previously addressed the assembly with a video message in December 2022, which received boos from some in attendance.