WESTLOCK - The sudden resignation of Conservative Party of Canada leader Andrew Scheer Dec. 12 came as a complete surprise to some, including Peace River-Westlock MP Arnold Viersen.
Two months after the Conservative's loss to Justin Trudeau’s Liberals in the October election and two weeks into the new session of Parliament, Scheer announced in the House of Commons that he was stepping down as leader of the Opposition, but would stay on until a successor is chosen.
Viersen was a supporter of Scheer’s leadership during the Conservatives last leadership race in 2017 where he narrowly beat out Maxime Bernier, who then left the party to form the People’s Party of Canada.
“I’m a little in shock right now,” said Viersen by phone from Ottawa, just hours after Scheer made the announcement. “I was already working on getting his leadership secured in the upcoming convention. It comes as a complete shock and surprise.”
The Conservative caucus met early in the day to discuss their response to the new trade deal with Mexico and the United States, signed earlier in the week, said Viersen. Near the end of the meeting, Scheer entered the room and informed the group of his decision.
“He was tired. We’ve been able to see that for a while now,” said Viersen.
Scheer then went on to describe a conversation he had with his 14-year-old son and decided it was time to focus on his family. He then went on to address fellow MPs in the House.
“I just informed my colleagues in the Conservative caucus that I will be resigning as the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and I will be asking the Conservative Party national council to immediately begin the process of organizing a leadership contest,” he said.
“In order to chart the course ahead in the direction this party is heading, the party needs someone who can give 100 per cent.
“My only ask to my fellow Conservatives is this: let’s stay united.”
Around the same time Global News reported senior Conservatives had demanded Scheer’s resignation after learning the party was paying for his children’s private schooling.
Viersen acknowledged party money was indeed used by Scheer to pay for the private school, but explained it was only a portion and that the two stories had no correlation.
“He had his kids at an independent Christian school in Regina and when he became leader he moved them to a similar school here in Ottawa. There was a price differential between the schools, so we were paying the price difference. I had no idea about it,” said Viersen, who then went on to rail against the insiders that brought the story forward to the public.
“It’s disgusting to me. Disgusting that someone would use that as a spear to throw at him.”
Neighbouring Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs also released a statement on her website praising Scheer for his hard work during the election campaign and as leader.
“Over the last four years I witnessed Andrew Scheer run for and lead the Conservative party with integrity, grace and a willingness to put the interests of the Conservative movement ahead of his own. He worked relentlessly, spending hundreds of days on the road — away from his family — criss-crossing the country to build Conservative momentum heading into the election.
“I want to thank Andrew for his long and proud record of service and above all I want to thank him for his friendship. It will be my pleasure to continue to serve together in the House of Commons as we work to replace prime minister Trudeau and his Liberal government.”
Speculation as to who would replace Scheer as Conservative leader started soon after the announcement. Former Conservative ministers Peter MacKay and Rona Ambrose were some of the first names to be mentioned, but former Saskatchewan premier Brad Wall and current Alberta premier Jason Kenney’s and Ontario premier Doug Ford’s names have also been floated.
Conservative MPs Michelle Rempel Garner, Lisa Raitt, Erin O’Toole, Gerard Deltell and Pierre Poilievre have also been mentioned as potential leadership contenders.
The contest may take up to two years to decide.
Asked if he was prepared to announce his bid for the leadership, Viersen played along for a second, but said it wasn’t likely. He wasn’t quite ready to give an endorsement either.
“Not at this point. I guess I’ll never say never, but definitely not at this point,” he said, adding he’ll be looking to support someone who is able to unite the country and reflects the values of Canadians and someone who is willing to stand up in the face of adversity.
“All of those things, that’s what I’m looking for.”
