(OTTAWA) The interim federal Conservative leader believes the party won’t attract disappointed Liberals by becoming quasi-liberal, but rather by staying true to its principles.
Posted at 11:19 a.m.
Candice Bergen made the statement in a video played in front of an audience of Conservative supporters and party stalwarts gathered in downtown Ottawa for a three-day conference of the “Canada Strong and Free” network.
Mme Bergen, who recently tested positive for COVID-19, devoted much of her virtual speech to the importance of the party being proud of its conservative values — and sticking to its principles.
She argued that Justin Trudeau had pulled the Liberals further to the left on the Canadian political spectrum, leaving some older activists looking for another path.
Mme Bergen believes the Conservative Party can accommodate these disillusioned Liberals, but remain steadfastly true to its values.
The interim leader also encouraged candidates in the party’s leadership race to heed the advice given in a letter to all teams by former Reform Party of Canada leader Preston Manning: avoid personal attacks.