Should Scheer make peace with Bernier?

Maxime Bernier's fiery departure from the Conservative party drew the ire of its leaders, though they seemed reluctant to mention him by name at the party's recent convention. In an effort to minimize the fallout, party officials seem to be resisting tackling the issue head-on.

However, Bernier maintains strong support in factions of the party — demonstrated by his second-place finish in the leadership race last May — and his split could draw enough votes away to thwart party leader Andrew Scheer's shot at government.

It's a danger that Bob Plamondon, a consultant and author who has written about the party, believes Scheer still has time to address.

"He has to bring the family back together," he told The House.

Plamondon said he thinks there's still time to reattach Bernier to the Conservative party and reach out to the people who follow him.

He added Scheer might not have a choice if he wants to win in 2019.

"When the family is split, the Conservatives have never had any hope of winning, and that's been true over the history of Canada."

One key issue in the feud between Scheer and Bernier is the dairy sector and Canada's supply management system.

A large chunk of farmers supported Scheer's leadership campaign, but Plamondon said it might be time to consider breaking off that commitment.

"Good politicians know when and how to break bad campaign promises," he said.