(Ottawa) The new Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has announced that he is making MP Pierre Paul-Hus his lieutenant for Quebec, three days after his resounding election at the head of the party and one week before the return to Parliament.
Posted at 12:41 p.m.
The MP for Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles was the only Quebec elected official to side with Mr. Poilievre during the leadership race that ended this weekend. Most of the others were active in the camp of Jean Charest – who suffered a crushing defeat – or remained neutral.
Mr Poilievre revealed in a social media post on Tuesday the members of his “leadership inflation-fighting team”.
The only other Quebecer to be part of it is the member for Mégantic—L’Érable, Luc Berthold, who is now the deputy House leader. Mr. Berthold had refused to take a position during the race. Until now he held the position of deputy leader and political lieutenant for Quebec.
Among other major appointments, Mr. Poilievre named two co-chiefs, Ontarian Melissa Lantsman and Albertan Tim Uppal. Former Leader Andrew Scheer becomes Conservative House Leader. And British Columbian Kerry-Lynne Findlay will serve as whip.
On Monday, Mr. Poilievre extended an olive branch to Quebec MPs and senators from his party during a surprise visit to the regional caucus. The new leader did not explain to the media the reasons for his surprise visit, but said in a speech that he was “very grateful” for the contributions of all members of the national caucus, regardless of the candidate they supported.