SCHEER OUSTS BERNIER FROM SHADOW CABINET

Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer has dumped Maxime Bernier from the party’s front bench and his role as critic for innovation, science and economic development. Scheer — who narrowly defeated Bernier in the party’s leadership race — did not explain the move in a statement issued Tuesday night, saying only: “I have removed Maxime Bernier from the Official Opposition Shadow Cabinet, effective immediately.” Bernier has been openly critical of the Tories’ support for supply management. The well-known MP for the Quebec riding of Beauce held two cabinet portfolios in the Harper government, including Foreign Affairs. In a book that has yet to be released, Bernier suggests that his opposition to supply management was one of the reasons — if not the main reason — that he lost last year’s leadership campaign to Scheer, who supports it. He held off publication of the book amid comments from some within the party that it would only divide Tories. Scheer said in his release that Bernier’s critics’ roles would be filled for now by Science critic Matt Jeneroux, an Edmonton MP.