The Member of Parliament for Perth-Wellington says former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole did a lot for the country, and the Conservative Party.
John Nater tells CKNX that he considers O’Toole to be a good friend, and that “no one wants to see a good person like Erin lose their position and be replaced.”
When asked about what triggered the Reform Act vote on O’Toole’s leadership, Nater said “It all goes back to the most recent election (September 2021). Obviously there was disappointment that we lost the election, there’s an expectation and a hope that we win elections, but despite some of the successes we saw such as winning the popular vote and picking up seats in Atlantic Canada that we haven’t held for a generation, we did lose the overall election, so there was some disappointment among caucus members that we lost.”
“I don’t think there was one specific issue that led to it, but obviously there was enough members of the Conservative caucus felt that change of leadership was needed.”
Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MP Alex Ruff recently discussed the rise in Conservative support in Midwestern Ontario, something Nater acknowledges and appreciates, but feels the Conservative Party must do more to make gains in other parts of the country, noting “we haven’t picked up enough seats in smaller cities, and the Greater Toronto Area, the 9-0-5 belt, we haven’t made enough inroads there, in those suburban seats. I think that’s where we have to reflect on which policies we should bring forward, that unite us across the country in all regions.”
Since O’Toole was removed as party leader, most Conservative MP’s have been quiet about who they feel should run to be the next leader, but Nater bucked that trend to offer up an endorsement….
“I say this with apologies to his wonderful wife, but I think Michael Chong (Member of Parliament for Wellington-Halton Hills) should consider running. I think Michael would have a lot to offer for our party, and might be someone who I would encourage to put his name forward to run for the permanent leadership.”
The Perth-Wellington MP also hinted that the field for the next Conservative leader could be large, but this is something he would welcome.
Nater also recommended that his party begin the process of choosing a new leader “sooner, rather then later. Can’t wait too long to begin this process. We’re in a minority in Parliament, and it’s important to get this race started.”
