Erin O'Toole was elected as the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada in a leadership race that was significantly shaped by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The election process was conducted primarily through mail-in ballots and virtual events due to public health restrictions. O'Toole's victory was characterized by a strong endorsement from party members who were seeking a leader capable of effectively challenging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberal government. His campaign emphasized the need for economic recovery and a commitment to accountability, aiming to appeal to both traditional Conservative voters and those disaffected by the Liberal administration.

The leadership contest included other notable candidates such as Peter MacKay and Leslyn Lewis. O'Toole, who previously served in the military and held ministerial positions in the government of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, leveraged his experience and background to connect with voters. His victory marked a pivotal moment for the Conservative Party, which had experienced challenges in previous elections and was focused on rebuilding and refocusing its platform for the future.

Following O'Toole's election, he faced the immediate task of uniting the party’s factions and preparing for the upcoming parliamentary sessions, where he would battle against the Liberal government's handling of the pandemic and associated economic issues. The leadership change was an opportunity for the Conservatives to reshape their policies and present a cohesive front to the Canadian public as they navigated the uncertain and shifting political landscape influenced by the pandemic.