Jean Charest, calling himself “pro-choice”, assured Tuesday afternoon that the Conservative government he aspires to lead would not restrict access to abortion.
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The former premier of Quebec took a stance on social media following news from the United States that the Supreme Court is preparing to make it possible for states to ban abortion.
“My government is not going to support a bill to restrict women’s right to abortion,” he also said on Qub radio earlier in the day.
He did, however, say that Tory MPs will have the right to introduce private members’ bills “on matters of conscience”, but that he would not “support them”.
Mr. Charest’s position is in line with the line adopted by Stephen Harper when he came to power, considering that this “position fairly well reflects that of the party,” he said.
All of the other Conservative leadership candidates, apart from Leslyn Lewis, have shown a pro-choice stance in the past.