By Jamie Barrie A ndrew Scheer is wasting no time setting goals as the new leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. He has made it clear his intention is to defeat Prime Minister Trudeau in the next federal election. If his upset win at the national leadership convention is any indication of what he can do, he may have a chance. Many critics suggest MP Andrew Scheer stole the victory in a major upset of long time front runner MP Maxime Bernier. Scheer won on the 13th ballot with 51% of the points to Bernier’s 49%. Bernier had led all previous 12 ballots up to that point. It was the supporters of third place finisher Erin O’Toole who pushed Scheer over the top after their candi- date was eliminated with 3 people left in the running. Scheer received tremendous support from the social Con- servatives. The new leader has maintained his stance that they would be free to speak their minds in a party led by him. Two candidates are believed to have held the majority of voter support from the social wing of the party. Brad Trost and Pierre Lemieux held a combined 16 per cent of the first-round point total.
Most analysts feel that support went to Scheer.
Another wedge issue for Scheer and Bernier was their posi- tions on Canada’s supplymanagement. Scheer supports the system that regulates prices on dairy and poultry in Canada and Bernier is against it. Most have been left scratching their heads as to why Bernier has taken this position. It played directly into Scheer’s hands. Bernier’s stance hurt him in Quebec which should be his support base. When the counting was done Scheer embarrassed Bernier by winning his own riding of Beauce. It is no surprise that the numerous farmers from that district pulled their support and gave it to Scheer based on this issue. Scheer has been dubbed “Harper with dimples” by the Liberals. Regardless of what his opponents brand him this 38-year- old father of 5 has a solid resume. He was elected the youngest speaker of the house and the first ever from Saskatchewan. The former Alliance member has views like Harper on many subjects but is a much better communica- tor. In his victory speech, Scheer targeted a unity message reminding Conservatives “You are all welcom and this party belongs to all of you.”
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JUNE 2017 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
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