MP Scheer launches bid for Tory leadership
OTTAWA Andrew Scheer sought to position himself as a unifier and early front-runner in the Conservative party leadership race Wednesday — with the support of at least 20 Tory MPs and senators — while distancing himself from such controversial social issues as abortion and same-sex marriage.
Flanked by 10 of those MPs and his wife Jill, Scheer announced Wednesday in Ottawa that he’s officially joining the crowded leadership contest.
Scheer, MP for Regina Qu’Appelle since 2004, and former Speaker of the House of Commons, has spent the past few months building support within his party’s caucus and preparing what many Conservatives believe will be a formidable leadership bid.
His main pitch to caucus and to party members is that he’s “principled,” believes in “fundamental” Conservative values and can keep the party united under one big tent. His campaign slogan — Real Conservative. Real Leader. — also seeks to drive home those themes.
Scheer believes the party’s next leader must better connect with Canadians and deliver a “positive” vision, without watering down core Conservative beliefs.
“Conservatives do not win when they abandon their principles. We do not need to change who we are,” he said.
Scheer, who is Catholic, is supported by many social conservatives in caucus who oppose abortion and believe in the traditional definition of marriage.
But Scheer stressed that he will not reopen the debate on such controversial social issues as abortion and marriage, believing it’s a recipe for division in the party and electoral defeat. Instead, he said he will try to get Conservatives to focus on issues that unite them, like lower taxes, more efficient government and balanced budgets.
Scheer’s base of support shows how the race could turn into a regional battle. Of the 20 caucus members identified Wednesday as supporting Scheer, all 17 MPs are from Western Canada (nine from Alberta, four from Saskatchewan, three from B.C. and one from Manitoba). Of the three senators who have declared their support, two are from Saskatchewan and one is from Newfoundland and Labrador.
Scheer checks off many of the boxes that Conservative MPs and organizers alike say is ideal for their next leader: He’s young at 37; fluently bilingual in French and English; is married and has five young children; supports core conservative values; and has extensive parliamentary experience — including as Speaker — but doesn’t carry a lot of baggage from Harper’s govern-