THUNDER BAY – The president of the Conservative Party of Canada’s Thunder Bay-Superior North riding says the resignation of leader Andrew Scheer gives the party a chance to hit the reset button.
The party dominated the results in Alberta, Saskatchewan and much of Manitoba, but failed to resonate with voters in the east, particularly in vote-heavy Ontario and Quebec.
John Bell said Scheer leaving opens up a door for the party to gain back voters in both of the those provinces.
“I think that whoever comes in and is eventually elected leader of the party has to be someone who can appeal to voters all the way across the country,” Bell said.
“In my opinion, this is a positive step. I think it was a difficult step for Andrew to take, and I acknowledge that. But I think it will really allow us to really examine our policies to see what’s important to us and look at the big tent that is the Conservative party to once again draw people together and look at modern policies for the 21st century ... that will appeal to all Canadians.”
Scheer came under fire during the most recent election campaign for past statements on gay marriage and his continued refusal to attend or march in pride parades. He was also seen as non-committal on the abortion issue.
Bell said it’s a balance.
“Obviously there are strengths and weaknesses in the vote that came out the last time,” he said.
“Progressive elements would obviously like to see some changes in the way things are conducted, and I think there are also some socially conservative elements that would like to see perhaps themselves a little better represented.
“So I don’t think it’s any one particular element. I think it’s a more pan-conservative wish.”
Finding that person isn’t going to be an easy task.
A number of prominent names are already being floated about, including Ontario MPP Caroline Mulroney, the daughter of former Conservative prime minister Brian Mulroney, former Progressive Conservative leader Peter MacKay and former interim party leader Rona Ambrose.
Bell said he wasn’t all that surprised to see Scheer, who will remain leader until a leadership convention can be hold, likely long after April’s schedule Conservative policy convention, step down.
“I’ve known Andrew for a little while and I know two things. He’s extremely committed to his family and he’s extremely committed to the party. I think he saw the price that was probably going to be exacted on both of those by a leadership race where people from inside the party would be going after him,” Bell said.
Newly elected Kenora Conservative MP Eric Melillo issued a statement on Thursday afternoon, thanking Scheer and saying it’s business as usual on Parliament Hill.
"Scheer has made a decision to put his family first. I respect his decision and thank him for his service to Canadians and to our party,” Melillo said.
“Our caucus remains focused on delivering positive change for Canadians and holding this government to account.”
