CPC leader events put on hold
‘SOCIAL DISTANCING’
OTTAWA • Some candidates in the federal Conservative leadership race have started suspending their public events for the foreseeable future due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the two frontrunners Peter MacKay and Erin O’Toole.
But for the moment, the Conservative Party is not planning any major changes to the schedule of the race, including a convention in Toronto on June 27 where the results will be announced.
“We are closely monitoring the effects this is having on events worldwide, and seeking regular updates from public health agencies and professionals,” party spokesperson Cory Hann said.
“With our leadership event not scheduled for another three months, we have no changes to announce but continue to discuss options on how to mitigate concerns over a gathering such as that, and what contingencies we could have in place, should the situation remain unchanged.”
The party says it is “exploring contingencies” for the official debates scheduled for April, and may decide to hold those debates with no audiences and only essential staff present.
MacKay, O’Toole, Leslyn Lewis and Rick Peterson all have said they will suspend in-person campaign events.
Medical officials have been recommending “social distancing,” where person-to-person contact is avoided to help reduce the spread of the virus. That makes campaigning very difficult, as candidates are normally trying to get facetime with as many groups as possible across the country. Campaigns are also rushing to raise the full $300,000 needed to stay in the race until the final ballot; the deadline is March 25.
“Our team will focus on connecting with people in ways that minimize in-person contact,” Lewis’s campaign said.
Marilyn Gladu’s campaign has not committed to cancelling all events, but says it is following the advice of the Public Health Agency of Canada. “Marilyn’s team is assessing events and activities on a daily and event-byevent basis using PHAC’s criteria for public safety,” said a statement.
Rudy Husny said he is in touch with party officials to determine how to proceed. “Public health is paramount and my campaign will take the necessary precautions at the direction of local health officials,” he said.
Derek Sloan and Jim Karahalios did not respond to requests for comment. Meanwhile, the Manning Networking Conference set to take place later this month in Ottawa has been cancelled.