March 3, 2022

MP AITCHISON RUNNING TO LEAD CONSERVATIVE PARTY AFTER VOTING AGAINST EMERGENCIES ACT

PARRY SOUND-MUSKOKA — When MP Scott Aitchison was named to the Conservative “shadow cabinet” by Erin O’Toole, you had to believe he had close ties with the former party leader and that their political views had to be in line.

So word today that the local member of Parliament has confirmed he is running to replace his old boss is a bold move for the two-term rookie and former mayor of Huntsville.

Global News reported the run Thursday and said Aitchison has put together a team and will announce his candidacy next week for September’s leadership convention.

“I am building a team that will bring Canadians and our party together,” Aitchison said in a brief email statement to Global. “We are still waiting for the final rules from the (party’s leadership organizing committee) and I’ll have more to say in the days ahead.”

Aitchison, who recently voted against the Emergency Act said in the House of Commons Feb. 21, during debate about the Ottawa protests, that “Leaders lead by inspiring those around them to greatness. They inspire a hope that tomorrow will be brighter than today. They lift everyone up, not just those who agree with them,” Aitchison recently told the House of Commons.

“They seek to bring people together, to give the voiceless a voice and a seat at the table. Leaders stand up for every citizen: every Canadian, urban, rural, rich or poor, white-collar, blue-collar, right and left, regardless of their faith or creed and regardless of their place of origin.”

He made the comments during the debate over the Liberal government’s decision to invoke the Emergencies Act in order to address the convoy protests in Ottawa and border blockades.