Alex Ruff, Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound issued the following statement on the leadership of the Conservative Party:

“I want to first and foremost give my personal thanks to the Hon. Erin O’Toole and his family for their unwavering dedication to the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC), and all Canadians as the Leader of the Conservative Party, and the Official Opposition in the House of Commons.

“Being a politician, and even more so, being the leader of the only big tent federal party left in Canada will always be a challenge. This was further exacerbated by the challenges of being leader during a global pandemic. I have known Erin for almost 30 years, and there are few Canadians in the country more dedicated, or who care more for this country, its citizens, and its future than Erin does.

“I have unequivocally supported Erin as the grassroots elected Leader of the CPC. My support to the interim leader will be the same. I am committed to a united Conservative team now, and under the new leader, who will be chosen by the membership of the Conservative Party in the forthcoming leadership race.

“Until we have an elected leader, I and my Conservative colleagues will fulfill our current role as the Official Opposition under our interim leader the Hon. Candice Bergen and will hold the Liberal government to account and ensure government legislation works for all Canadians. We will focus on sharing our Conservative vision of hope, fiscal responsibility, and a united Canada to demonstrate to Canadians we are ready to govern in advance of the next federal election.”

“I look forward to working with my colleagues under our interim leader, and eventually, under our next leader to keep our party united, and to build trust throughout the grassroots, and with Canadians across the country. I am excited for the future, and the potential and opportunities our party has looking forward.” 

source: media release