Tory leader to meet with supporters in city
Andrew Scheer is set to spend time in Saskatoon this week, one of his first visits to Saskatchewan’s largest city since winning the Conservative Party of Canada leadership race almost two years ago.
Scheer, who represents Regina Qu’appelle, is set to spend the day meeting with various groups, including energy sector representatives, before hosting a reception for Conservative volunteers and donors followed by a rally for supporters. He will be joined at the rally by the Conservatives’ candidates for ridings in and around Saskatoon in the upcoming federal election, including MPS Kelly Block and Kevin Waugh, and candidates Corey Tochor and Brad Redekopp.
On Saturday, the 39-year-old former Speaker of the House of Commons will participate in what is billed as a pro-energy rally in Moosomin, alongside Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe.
Scheer was last in the province on New Year’s Day, when he appeared at a Regina discount store to blast the federal government over its plan to impose a carbon tax on the province.
“Everyday essentials will become more expensive this year, thanks to the Trudeau carbon tax,” Scheer said at the time, echoing what voters can expect to hear repeatedly over the coming months.
With the federal election just over seven months away, the Conservatives are pitching their new leader as the opposite of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau — the regular family man versus the privileged trust fund politician.
Scheer’s appearance at the pro-energy rallies is likely no coincidence, as the federal government has been widely criticized for its handling of the file, particularly its approach to pipeline construction.
Scheer is the third federal party leader to visit Saskatoon in recent months.
Trudeau was in the city for several days in September for the Liberal Party of Canada’s annual caucus retreat, while People’s Party of Canada leader Maxime Bernier spoke to a business lunch last month.