Ritz backing Andrew Scheer for Tory leadership
The MP for the Battlefords is lending his support to a southern Saskatchewan caucus colleague expected to run for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada.
Andrew Scheer, MP for Regina Qu’Appelle, announced Tuesday, Sept. 13 that he is stepping down as Opposition House Leader, in anticipation of a leadership bid. While a statement from Scheer said he is still exploring the feasibility of a run, Battlefords-Lloydminster MP Gerry Ritz said in an interview Tuesday that it’s a foregone conclusion.
“He’s made his announcement. He’s just fulfilling his role as the House Leader here at the caucus meetings in Halifax, but he’s also made the announcement that he’s stepping down for that leadership run,” Ritz said. “I’ve been working with (Scheer) for the last, I’m going to say three or four months.”
Ritz said Scheer, who served as Speaker of the House of Commons from 2011 to 2015, will focus primarily on Canada’s economy, and how the country can work together.