Conservative convention rescheduled for Halloween

The Conservative Party's national policy convention has been rescheduled to Oct. 31, according to party president John Walsh, who issued a written statement on Friday.

The convention was originally to be held in Calgary beginning June 27, but was postponed due to the floods.

"We have been working closely with the authorities and local businesses in Calgary to find the adequate space, despite the understandable difficulties with such a short time frame," Walsh said.

The convention will take place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 at the BMO Centre, Stampede Park, in Calgary.

"This decision reaffirms our commitment to Calgary — a great Canadian city that has shown tremendous courage in the face of the Alberta floods," Walsh said.

With a major cabinet shuffle expected this summer, a fall convention will be a chance for Prime Minister Stephen Harper to showcase the fresh faces he is expected to add to his inner circle.

Five members of Harper's cabinet have cleared the way for the prime minister to appoint new talent to his front bench: Vic Toews, Marjory LeBreton, Diane Ablonczy, Ted Menzies, and Keith Ashfield.

The senate expenses scandal and the $90,000 cheque the prime minister's former chief of staff Nigel Wright gave to Senator Mike Duffy to repay ineligible expenses – a transaction now being investigated by the RCMP – derailed Harper's agenda for the better part of the spring sitting.