CHAT News File Photo

By Chris Brown

MP Motz says Conservative party is unified and can show Canadians the way forward

Feb 3, 2022 | 12:37 PM

OTTAWA – Medicine Hat’s member of parliament says the Conservative Party of Canada is unified following the ouster of its leader.

Tory MPs voted 73-45 on Wednesday to remove Erin O’Toole.

“I’m glad the numbers were not close and I think that was good,” says Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner MP Glen Motz. “It was almost like it was a breath of fresh, when that was done I was very pleased with how things moved from there. The unity in the room continued and continues.”

And there are no hard feelings from those who wanted O’Toole to stay on as leader, he adds.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

Dec 14, 2024

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

Motz says he’s certain the party can show Canadians the way forward and that they are the only party that can restore the country to what it once was.

For some, the infighting is reminiscent of the split of the former Progressive Conservative Party that led to the creation of the Reform Party of Canada.

“We have a big blue tent and we are probably the most tolerant party that exists in this country of all sorts of views and I think that will bode well and it should bode well for the country and for the conservative movement.”

Motz believes continued unity is possible now, with the right leader.

“Someone who can, can to speak to and represent all aspects of the conservative movement, those social conservatives, you know, the strong fiscal conservatives, the progressives, the moderates,” he says. “We have a big blue tent and we are probably the most tolerant party that exists in this country of all sorts of views and I think that will bode well and it should bode well for the country and for the conservative movement.”

Motz says he doesn’t know what the timeline is for choosing a permanent leader, but he wants to see it happening before the end of summer. No one has so far put their name forward to run for the position.

Portage-Lisgar MP Candice Bergen of Manitoba was chosen Wednesday as the interim leader. Motz says Bergen will transition into the role well and that she is respected on all sides of the house.