(OTTAWA) Manitoba MP Candice Bergen began Thursday in a new role as interim leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and leader of the opposition in the House of Commons.
Posted at 4:33 p.m.
She was elected by her caucus colleagues on Wednesday evening after a majority of members of her party showed the door to Erin O’Toole, who had been at the head of the political party for 18 months.
Mme Bergen has the delicate task of unifying conservatives who have been divided for weeks and angry since last year’s election defeat.
The Conservative Party must also prepare for a leadership race, the third to choose a leader in less than five years.
Party President Rob Batherson told members that the National Council will appoint an organizing committee for the leadership race and will meet soon to discuss the matter.
But now people are already speculating who will enter the race.
Conservative Party finance critic Pierre Poilievre would be seen as a strong contender and one of the favorites if he decides to run.
PHOTO ADRIAN WYLD, THE CANADIAN PRESS ARCHIVES
Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre
Another Ontario MP, Marilyn Gladu, who has nominated herself for the party’s interim leadership, told reporters Wednesday night that she is also considering running for the party’s leadership.
Rona Ambrose, a former minister in Stephen Harper’s government and who served as the party’s interim when the latter left, ruled out the possibility of getting into the fray, which many Conservative MPs wanted.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commented on Ms. Bergen’s arrival as interim leader on Thursday morning.
“I intend to speak with the interim leader of the Conservative Party to congratulate her on her responsibilities and also to emphasize that Canadians expect us to work together, to help them get through this pandemic, to resume economy,” he said at a press conference where he made an announcement about early learning and child care in Manitoba.
“I will emphasize (sic) the need for responsible leadership in these times. »