ERIN O’TOOLE -- Political parties should not be drawing assistance from the taxpayer

First elected as an MP for the riding of Durham, in the 2012 byelection, Erin O’Toole was a candidate in the 2017 campaign to lead the Conservative Party of Canada; he finished 3^rd.  He is one of four candidates in the current race to lead the party, following Andrew Scheer’s December 12^th announcement he would be stepping down. 

 

Canadians have sacrificed enough.

They shouldn’t have to pay for wage subsidies for political parties, as well. But that's exactly what they're doing with the Liberal Party, the NDP, and yes, the Conservative Party all announcing they're going to apply for the government's wage subsidy program.

I do not agree with this decision.

As leader, I will ensure that our party is not participating in this program and will prepare a plan to reimburse the taxpayer - and I will call on all other parties to do the same.

I'm also calling on the government to change the rules so political parties don't qualify at all.

I value and appreciate the hard work of our party staff, but at a time that the Liberal economic response has left out thousands of small businesses from their relief program, political parties should not be drawing assistance from the taxpayer. 

Leadership by example is something I was taught in the military and that is how our party will operate.

My private sector experience taught me that any operation can adapt and take the swift action to weather a downturn. 

With the potential of an election in the coming year, I will ensure that the party is ready to fight and win that election. That priority will come before our plan for reimbursement.

To me, the most important element of getting Canada back on a path to prosperity after the pandemic will be to replace the (Justin) Trudeau government.  That will be our mission.

I wanted to be clear with you where I stood and what my plans are for when I become leader. With your help, we can make this a reality and take back Canada!