A Quebec senator has left the Tory fold, blaming Conservative leader Andrew Scheer for the party’s loss the the federal election..Sen. Jean-Guy Dagenais said Scheer’s views on social issues meant the Tories lost an election they should have won..“Andrew Scheer’s beliefs about abortion and same sex marriages led to a mass exodus of the Quebec vote that the party hoped to win with excellent candidates…” Dagenais said in a statement..“We have wasted a unique opportunity and the result will be the same the next time if the current leader, and those who advise him remain in office, as is the case at this time.”.Along with his views on social issues, Dagenais said Scheer attached a “low importance” to Quebec and he could no longer sit as a member of his caucus as a result..Dagenais, who is keeping his Tory membership, will now sit as an independent with the newly-formed Canadian Senators Group..Last month, 11 senators representing regions across the country and differing political views formed a new group called the CSG..“I am particularly excited about working with this group, and especially with Senator Scott Tannas, whose leadership and convening skills will enable us to be critical and productive in reviewing government legislation and in committees of the Senate,” said Dagenais..Former Tory senator Tannas, of Alberta, is the interim leader of the group..Dagenais, a former police officer, was appointed to the Senate in 2012 by Tory Prime Minister Stephen Harper..Dagenais wasn’t the only senator to leave his party yesterday..Liberal P.E.I. Sen. Percy Downe is also joining the CSG.
