Tochor promises ‘fresh start’ as he seeks federal nomination
SASKATOON The former Speaker of the Saskatchewan legislature says he won’t resign his seat before seeking a federal party’s nomination, and will run again if he fails to secure an opportunity to run in the next general election.
Saskatoon Eastview MLA Corey Tochor on Monday confirmed speculation that he would become the second person to challenge incumbent Brad Trost for the Conservative Party of Canada nod in Saskatoon—University.
“I’ve done the principled stance that I can’t be Speaker in an impartial role to take on this nomination,” said Tochor, who resigned as Speaker on Friday but refused at the time to confirm his rumoured entrance into federal politics.
“The role as MLA doesn’t change; I was elected to represent the people of Saskatoon, and that continues,” he said.
“But obviously we’re going to take this challenge first and then look at the decisions afterwards, hopefully as a successful candidate for the Conservative Party.”
Tochor — who, according to a campaign official, filed his nomination papers last month — will be forced to resign if he beats Trost and Brad Redekopp and becomes an official candidate, because the Canada Elections Act bars sitting MLAs from running federally.
Asked why he decided to enter federal politics, Tochor said people in Saskatoon and the province are “fed up” with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and he is the best candidate to help the Conservatives win the 2019 general election.
“(Trost) is rightfully or wrongfully a polarizing figure. I believe after talking to members and the public that we need still a principled voice but a fresh start in how we represent Saskatoon in Ottawa. I believe that’s what I represent,” he continued.
Tochor’s entrance will make for an exciting race, which will be good for the Conservatives in Saskatoon, Redekopp said in a statement.
Trost told Postmedia News last week that Tochor may “be surprised just how little his provincial connections get him in my area.”
Two sources close to the Sask. Party said they were stunned by Tochor’s decision to seek the nomination, but appeared divided on whether the party can hang onto his seat — a former NDP stronghold — should he secure the Conservative nomination.
Tochor was first elected in 2011 and re-elected in 2016. He became Speaker shortly after the 2016 general election.