MP Ed Fast on the Decision of Caucus to Remove Erin O’Toole as Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada

MP Ed Fast on the Decision of Caucus to Remove Erin O’Toole as Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada 

February 2, 2022 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Ottawa, ON – Ed Fast, MP for Abbotsford, released a statement on today’s vote by the Conservative Caucus on Erin O’Toole’s leadership. 

“Today, the Conservative Caucus voted to remove Erin O’Toole from the leadership of the Conservative Party. This secret ballot vote was held in accordance with the Parliament of Canada Act, which states that a caucus must hold such a vote if at least 20% of its members sign a letter requesting one. As this decision was by secret ballot, my vote will remain secret.  

“I want to thank Erin for his leadership of our Party over the past 18 months. In the previous Conservative government, Erin was appointed my parliamentary secretary when I served as Stephen Harper’s Minister of International Trade, and Erin ably assisted me in the discharge of my duties. That constructive working relationship continued when Erin as Conservative leader invited me to join his shadow cabinet as finance critic and industry critic.

“This is a difficult time for Erin, his wife Rebecca, and their family, and my thoughts and best wishes are with them as they seek out new opportunities to lead.

“Now, it’s time to move on. Today, at 4:00PM PST, the Conservative Caucus will meet to elect an interim leader. During this transitionary period and until a new permanent leader is chosen, I will continue to do what my constituents expect of me, namely to represent their interests and hold the Trudeau government to account for its incompetent, unethical and divisive behaviour over these past 6 years.

“I look forward to the process of discerning and selecting a new leader for our Party with a new unifying vision for our country. I will be actively engaged in that process – but not as a candidate.”