Manitoba MP, Candice Bergen Named Interim Leader Of Conservative Party

Bergen named leader after her party ousted O’Toole in a rare even party vote

Last night’s vote of 73 to 45 in favour of removing Erin O’Toole from caucus effectively ended his short rise to power. Since the resignation of Stephen Harper in 2016, there have been four different MP’s to lead the Conservative Party.

Bergen’s leadership style is still unknown, but if she is anything like her predecessors, Canadians can expect an on slot of sharp criticism from her aimed at the Trudeau government. That being said, the prevailing thought is that she rises to the occasion and acts as a bridge-builder for the party. For that to happen, she would need to refrain from the Trumpian-style rhetoric of many of her colleagues, especially Pierre Poilievre. His rhetoric is repugnant and personifies everything Canadians have come to dislike about their politicians.

Bergen has openly supported the “Freedom Rally” and has been very critical of vaccine mandates. It is also important to note, Bergen’s region Portage—Lisgar has some of the lowest vaccine rates in Manitoba and contributes to at times the highest COVID-19 cases occupying hospital beds.

It still remains unclear when the party will hold an official convention in search of its next leader. As for Bergen, whether she plans to seek the party nomination, only time will tell when and if she makes her intentions public. But, until that happens, there will likely be a slew of candidates new and older wanting a crack at helms with the hopes of defeating the Trudeau government.