Conservatives stronger, more united than ever, O’Toole tells caucus

OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) — Erin O’Toole called the Conservatives the government in waiting in his first speech to caucus Wednesday since taking over as leader of the federal party.

The meeting came two weeks before the throne speech and the start of the fall sitting of Parliament.

“We are stronger and more united than ever before,” O’Toole said.

The meeting was meant to lay out priorities and plot political strategies, on top of uniting the Conservatives after the leadership race.

O’Toole focussed his speech on economic recovery, saying small businesses will be key to getting people back to work.

He also targeted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, saying the federal government did not have an adequate plan to help the economy recover during the pandemic.

As well, O’Toole has his eye on the next election, which could come soon, with a confidence vote on the throne speech.

O’Toole further promised to reshape the Conservatives.

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“Whether you are LGBTQ or straight, regardless of your religion or ethnicity, regardless of how long you have been a member of the Canadian family, the Conservative front benches and our party will reflect the incredible diversity and opportunity of this country,” he added.

“Through respect, professionalism, and the pursuit of excellence, we will show all Canada that we are a government in waiting.”

The federal government will deliver the throne speech on Sept. 23.

After an almost seven-hour delay to tally mail-in votes, O’Toole was chosen to lead the federal Conservatives late last month. He won the race after a third round of counting, with 57 per cent of the vote, beating perceived frontrunner Peter MacKay, who had come out on top in the first round of what was a combative race.

Elected in 2012, O’Toole, the Durham MP, served as Minister of Veterans Affairs under Stephen Harper.

He took over the leadership from Andrew Scheer.

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