I'm no supporter of the conservative movement in Canada. However, a Party that can channel well thought through conservative ideas and critiques does provide a responsible home for those who favour such positions and help balance national political debate.

What is harmful is angry reactionary anti-everything demagoguery that tries to pass itself as being within the democratic conservative tradition and the upsurge of this in the form of free market nihilism ( think O'Leary), reactionary social conservatism (think Leitch) and free form demagoguery (think Doug Ford) now threatens the long-term viability of the Conservative Party.

Manning could credibly oppose such unsavory populist extremism but he is under the illusion that he and other 'wise leaders' can somehow channel this extremism to constructive ends.  

This hubris does him no credit and the  Conservative Party are at risk in the absence of the distinct between conservative and reactionary politics being strongly drawn.