OTTAWA — Erin O'Toole was ousted as leader of the Conservative Party of Canada on Wednesday.
Here is what some politicians and others had to say:
"This country needs a Conservative party that is both an intellectual force and governing force. Ideology without power is vanity. Seeking power without ideology is hubris."
— Erin O'Toole, shortly after being voted out by his fellow Tory MPs
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"I think we are more united than ever."
— Quebec Conservative MP Pierre Paul-Hus
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"I will respect my caucus colleagues. I will listen to our movement."
— New Brunswick Conservative MP John Williamson, who threw his hat into the ring to be the party's interim leader
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“There is dissatisfaction within the caucus over the outcome of the last election and the work that was done by the leader. The MPs sent a message that they wanted to work with another person to prepare for the next election."
— Conservative MP and Quebec lieutenant Alain Rayes
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"Erin was a long time coming. It's been 135 days since the election, and ultimately, we're having caucus meetings over and over again that are about internal party factions."
— Edmonton MP Matt Jeneroux
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"I know this is a difficult day for Mr. O'Toole and his family. We disagree fundamentally on many issues. All of us who choose politics go into it to try serve our communities and our neighbours."
— NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh
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"I hope that Conservatives remember the importance of unity as they debate the future."
— Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, who endorsed O'Toole in the party's 2020 leadership race.
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"While we disagree on the path forward for our country, you stepped up to serve Canadians. I'm wishing you, Rebecca, Mollie and Jack nothing but the best."
— Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
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"I have been asked a few times now what I think Mr. O'Toole brought to our party. In my view he made our party more welcoming to those who had not felt as welcome in the past. This is a value I will continue to support and fight for in our Conservative party."
— British Columbia Conservative MP Dan Albas
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"It's really hard to see what's happening and not jump back in to help. My heart says yes but my head says no. I'm not going to go back at this juncture in my life."
— Rona Ambrose, former interim leader of the party and cabinet minister in former prime minister Stephen Harper's Conservative government.
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"I have seen the news today. I'm both relieved (for my Twitter mentions) and sad that our incredible and unusual relationship may be coming to an end."
— Colorado broadcaster Erin O'Toole, sometimes mistaken for the Tory leader on social media
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 2, 2022.
The Canadian Press
