For Immediate Release

February 2, 2022

 

OTTAWA, ON: Today, our Conservative Caucus made the very difficult decision to order a leadership race and select a new Leader of the Party. I fully respect the decision and look forward to engaging our membership in the months ahead.

First and foremost, I would like to thank Erin O’Toole for his service as the Leader of the Conservative Party and Her Majesty’s Official Opposition over the past 18 months. The job is a difficult one during normal times but was made all the harder during the COVID pandemic. Often overlooked but essential to a politician’s life is the support of their family. I would like to also thank Erin’s family, his wife Rebecca, and children Mollie and Jack for the sacrifices they made to our Party and to the country.

I consider Erin a friend and mentor. He was always supportive and displayed his trust in me by appointing me to his Shadow Cabinet, first as Shadow Minister for Families, Children and Social Development, then to Crown-Indigenous Relations and finally to Indigenous Services.

Now it is time for us to move forward with a new leader who will unite our country and provide an alternative to the rising inflation and deficit and unparalleled divisions created by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Canadians are voicing their concerns loud and clear across the country. It’s time to move forward, put COVID behind us, and deal with the many serious issues facing our nation, including affordability, housing, inflation, and mental health.

Conservatives will continue to be the voice for Canadian workers, shopkeepers, seniors, and families. We will hold the Prime Minister and the Liberal government to account and work hard to make life more manageable for Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

For more information contact:

Jamie Schmale, MP
Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock
(705)-324-2400 or (866)-688-9881