Deadline day for candidates to enter federal Conservative leadership race

It is deadline day for prospective candidates to enter the federal Conservative leadership race.

Candidates must submit their $50,000 deposit on Tuesday, to throw their name in the ring to replace former leader Erin O’Toole for the Conservative Party’s top job.

However, April 29 is the important cut-off as candidates have to submit the rest of the $300,000 entrance fee, along with all the necessary paperwork — otherwise they won’t get their name on the ballot.

So far, out of a dozen declared candidates, only Pierre Poilievre, Jean Charest, and Leslyn Lewis have met all requirements to have their names on the ballot.

Other candidates including Patrick Brown, Roman Baber, Leona Alleslev, Scott Atchison, and Marc Dalton, have made the initial payment of $50,000.

Related: Who’s in, who’s out and who else could join the Conservative party leadership race

Lori Williams, who teaches political science at Mount Royal University, said the deadlines will shorten the list ahead of the two official debates in May and the June 3 cutoff to submit membership applications.

The leadership committee sent out a memo to candidates on Tuesday, informing them that the English-language debate will take place May 11 in Edmonton and the French-language debate will be held on May 25 in Montreal. A third debate could possible be held in August.

Williams also said a lot is riding on this campaign for the Conservatives.

“It’s not just about winning the final race, it’s also about winning the direction of the future of the party, and there are different perspectives,” she explained.

A new leader will be named on Sept. 10.

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With files from Cormac Mac Sweeney of CityNews