On Parliament Hill

I am pleased to congratulate my colleague and friend Erin O’Toole on winning the election to be the new leader of the Conservative Party of Canada.

Last Sunday’s results capped off a long and unprecedented campaign. It was a long night, but I was very pleased with the result.

I want to express my thanks to MP Derek Sloan, Dr. Leslyn Lewis and the Hon. Peter McKay for letting their names stand and for well run, substantive, campaigns under very challenging circumstances.

While I chose not to publicly endorse any one candidate during the race, I assured Erin he would be on my ballot and I was in regular communication with him, Dr. Lewis and Derek Sloan throughout the campaign.

While many in the press predicted an easy victory for former Cabinet Minister Peter McKay, O’Toole emerged the victor on the third ballot.

The polling companies and the national media once again got it wrong, discounting the strong voice that Social Conservatives have within the Conservative Party of Canada.

We had a very talented field of candidates, and I was so pleased to see Derek and Leslyn exceed expectations and have such a strong showing. I know we haven’t seen the last of either of them.

Now, I’m excited for Canadians to get to know Erin O’Toole. I think they’re going to like what they see.

Erin attended Royal Military College and served Canada in the armed forces for 12 years. He has a law degree from Dalhousie University and has served Canada as a (very) hard-working MP and Cabinet Minister. He’s a leader in Caucus, good on TV, and strong in the House. He’ll be a great leader and a great Prime Minister.

These are challenging times. Canada needs a real leader. Erin O’Toole is that leader. As we look at the possibility of another election this fall, I know Erin will be ready to lead us.

Justin Trudeau has spent the past five years doing everything he can to divide Canadians. Erin O’Toole is a unifying figure. He reached out to all corners of our party to win the leadership. Now, he will reach out to all Canadians and unite our country.

I look forward to working with Mr. O’Toole to help get Canada back on track.