MP Scott Aitchison officially joined the race for the federal Conservative leadership, with a focus on ending partisanship “bickering” and uniting the Conservative party..“Solving problems requires real leadership. I’ve been in Parliament now for two terms, and I am dismayed by the energy wasted on political games instead of getting things done,” he said..“What’s missing in Ottawa is leadership. More partisan bickering is simply not the answer.”.The Parry Sound-Muskoka MP served as the mayor of Huntsville, Ontario before being elected as an MP in 2019. Following his re-election in 2021, Aitchison was appointed to the position of Shadow Minister for Labour in the Conservative Party..The 49-year old first announced his foray into the Conservative leadership race in a video posted on Twitter on March 16. The caption accompanying the video read, “Let’s be bold. Let’s be ambitious and filled with hope. Our best days are still ahead — let’s work together to get the job done.”.On March 20, Aitchison formally announced his candidacy at a campaign event held in his hometown of Huntsville..In his 25-minute speech, Aitchison outlined several of his priorities, including building more affordable housing, increased healthcare funding, expanding Canadian energy to new markets, and ensuring Canada’s armed forces are “ready and have the tools required to protect those who serve us and to defend our commitment to freedom and democracy around the world.”.While Aitchison spoke of the power of new ideas and fresh energy, he said he doesn’t believe politicians “have to attack someone else to make your point.”.“Canadians are calling on us to do better and to be better,” Aitchison said in a veiled reference to the feud between leadership hopefuls Pierre Poilievre and Patrick Brown that erupted on March 14..He said the only way for Conservatives to win in every part of the country would be through unity, respect for one another, and “demonstrating to Canadians that we have the commitment, the courage, the character to be trusted to govern.”.Aitchison said for too long, Canadian politics has been defined by division and “our politicians carelessly demean and even demonize one group of Canadians to appeal to another.”.“If you are tired of the old status quo, if you reject the politics of fear and division, if you reject the notion that we have to settle for mediocre, then join us and let us show Canadians the right approach,” he said. “Together, we will prove that a small group of thoughtful and committed citizens can indeed change the world.”.Aitchison added that he is against a carbon tax not because it is politically convenient, but because he represents hardworking people who “cannot afford to heat their homes and put healthy food on the table.” .He also said Quebec’s Bill 21 was “wrong” and that he supported the right of every Canadian to wear a cross, hijab, turban or kippah at their place of work. .Prior to Aitchison speaking, Kenora Ontario MP Eric Melillo took the stage to say he was “incredibly proud to support a good friend and colleague,” for the Conservative leadership position..Melillo said Aitchison has a relentless focus on both local issues like housing prices and business competitiveness, as well as global issues like climate change and Canada’s place in the world. .“I know Scott will have the right approach and I know he will get the job done.”.The Tories will pick a new leader on September 10..Matthew Horwood is an Ottawa Parliamentary reporter for the Western Standard
