This week, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre drew a crowd of about 2,000 enthusiastic supporters in Central Nova—a stronghold for Progressive Conservatives, notably associated with former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and notable figures like Elmer and Peter MacKay.

However, one significant absence caught attention: Nova Scotia’s PC Premier, Tim Houston. While Peter MacKay assured the crowd that Houston sent his regards, Houston chose to stay away despite being in the province, opting instead for a viral social media post where he quipped, "My name is Tim and I am Nova Scotian," riffing off the iconic Canadian campaign.

Poilievre's visit came amid a backdrop of strained relations with Houston, tensions that date back to last fall's provincial elections when Houston publicly distanced himself from the federal Conservative Party, a move that did not go unnoticed.

In a pivotal moment, Houston addressed whether Poilievre would assist him during his election campaign, clearly stating that he was not affiliated with any federal party. This comment prompted a heated response from Poilievre’s then-chief adviser, Jenni Byrne, who accused Houston of disrespect and sent a warning that she wouldn’t forget.

Interestingly, even after Houston's re-election with a majority, Poilievre seemingly failed to reach out for collaborative support during the federal election, suggesting a widening chasm between their strategies.

Despite these tensions, Houston’s family remains active in Conservative circles, with his wife campaigning for candidate Brycen Jenkins in Central Nova, and there are still connections between provincial and federal conservatives. While Alberta's Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan's Scott Moe openly support Poilievre, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has been critical of his campaign.

The political landscape appears increasingly fractious, casting doubt on how federal and provincial conservatives can effectively work together as they face common challenges in the lead-up to elections.