Friends and colleagues, welcome back. It is so good to see so many of you in person again. Not on Zoom!

Mes amis, je suis heureux que notre équipe soit enfin réunie.
Durant plusieurs mois, vous avez travaillé fort dans vos comtés pour les citoyens.
Vous avez mis la priorité là où on devait le faire.

These have been stressful – uncertain – months, but Canadians have persevered.

Many of us even went without haircuts – which wasn’t a big issue for me or for Alex Ruff.

OTTAWA, ON – The Honourable Erin O’Toole, Leader of Canada’s Conservatives and of the Official Opposition, today announced the Conservative Shadow Cabinet for the second session of the 43^rd Parliament.

“Today, I am proud to present the Conservative government in waiting that will defeat Justin Trudeau’s corrupt Liberal government in the next election,” O’Toole said. “In the coming weeks, we will be presenting a plan to put hardworking Canadians first, lead our nation out of this crisis and rebuild our great country.”

Conservative House of Commons Leadership Team:

• Deputy Leader: Hon. Candice Bergen (Portage – Lisgar, Manitoba)
• Quebec Political Lieutenant: Richard Martel (Chicoutimi – Le Fjord, Quebec)
• House Leader of the Official Opposition: Gérard Deltell (Louis-Saint-Laurent, Quebec)
• Chief Opposition Whip: Blake Richards (Banff – Airdrie, Alberta)
• Deputy House Leader of the Official Opposition: Karen Vecchio (Elgin – Middlesex – London, Ontario)
• Deputy Opposition Whip: Alex Ruff (Bruce – Grey – Owen Sound, Ontario)
• Caucus-Party Liaison: Hon. Tim Uppal (Edmonton Mill Woods, Alberta)
• Question Period Coordinator: Eric Duncan (Stormont – Dundas – South Glengarry, Ontario)
• National Caucus Chair: Tom Kmiec (Calgary Shepard, Alberta)

Conservative Shadow Cabinet:

• Leona Alleslev (Aurora – Oak Ridges – Richmond Hill, Ontario) – National Security Committee
• Rob Morrison (Kootenay – Columbia, British Columbia) – National Security Committee
• Lianne Rood (Lambton – Kent – Middlesex, Ontario) – Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food
• Alain Rayes (Richmond – Arthabaska, Quebec) – Shadow Minister for Canadian Heritage, Official Languages & Quebec Economic Development  
• Cathy McLeod (Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo, British Columbia) – Shadow Minister for Crown-Indigenous Relations
• Dane Lloyd (Sturgeon River – Parkland, Alberta) – Shadow Minister for Digital Government
• Kenny Chiu (Steveston – Richmond East, British Columbia) – Shadow Minister for Diversity and Inclusion and Youth
• Warren Steinley (Regina – Lewvan, Saskatchewan) – Shadow Minister for Economic Development & Internal Trade
• Hon. Peter Kent (Thornhill, Ontario) – Shadow Minister for Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion
• Dan Albas (Central Okanagan – Similkameen – Nicola, British Columbia) – Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change
• Michael Barrett (Leeds – Grenville – Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, Ontario) – Shadow Minister for Ethics
• Tracy Gray (Kelowna – Lake Country, British Columbia) – Shadow Minister for Export Promotion and International Trade
• Jamie Schmale (Haliburton – Kawartha Lakes – Brock, Ontario) – Shadow Minister for Families, Children and Social Development 
• Hon. Pierre Poilievre (Carleton, Ontario) – Shadow Minister for Finance
• Richard Bragdon (Tobique – Mactaquac, New Brunswick) – Shadow Minister for Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
• Hon. Michael Chong (Wellington – Halton Hills, Ontario) – Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs
• Hon. Michelle Rempel Garner (Calgary Nose Hill, Alberta) – Shadow Minister for Health
• Brad Vis (Mission – Matsqui – Fraser Canyon, British Columbia) – Shadow Minister for Housing
• Raquel Dancho (Kildonan – St. Paul, Manitoba) – Shadow Minister for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
• Gary Vidal (Desnethé – Missinippi – Churchill River, Saskatchewan) – Shadow Minister for Indigenous Services
• Hon. Andrew Scheer (Regina – Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan) – Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Communities
• James Cumming (Edmonton Centre, Alberta) – Shadow Minister for Innovation, Science and Industry
• Chris d’Entremont (West Nova, Nova Scotia) – Shadow Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs & Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
• Garnett Genuis (Sherwood Park – Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta) – Shadow Minister for International Development & Human Rights
• Hon. Rob Moore (Fundy Royal, New Brunswick) – Shadow Minister for Justice and the Attorney General of Canada
• Mark Strahl (Chilliwack – Hope, British Columbia) – Shadow Minister for Labour
• Hon. Erin O’Toole (Durham, Ontario) – Shadow Minister for Middle Class Prosperity
• James Bezan (Selkirk – Interlake – Eastman, Manitoba) – Shadow Minister for National Defence
• Greg McLean (Calgary Centre, Alberta) – Shadow Minister for Natural Resources & Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
• Philip Lawrence (Northumberland – Peterborough South, Ontario) – Shadow Minister for National Revenue
• Eric Melillo (Kenora, Ontario) – Shadow Minister for Northern Affairs & Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor)
• Marilyn Gladu (Sarnia – Lambton, Ontario) – President of the Queen’s Privy Council & Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)
• Shannon Stubbs (Lakeland, Alberta) – Shadow Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
• Pierre Paul-Hus (Charlesbourg – Haute-Saint-Charles, Quebec) – Shadow Minister for Public Services and Procurement
• John Nater (Perth – Wellington, Ontario) – Shadow Minister for Rural Economic Development
• Rosemarie Falk (Battlefords – Lloydminster, Saskatchewan) – Shadow Minister for Seniors
• Pat Kelly (Calgary Rocky Ridge, Alberta) – Shadow Minister for Small Business & Western Economic Development
• Stephanie Kusie (Calgary Midnapore, Alberta) – Shadow Minister for Transport
• Luc Berthold (Mégantic – L’Érable, Quebec) – Shadow Minister for Treasury Board
• John Brassard (Barrie – Innisfil, Ontario) – Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs 
• Jag Sahota (Calgary Skyview, Alberta) – Shadow Minister for Women and Gender Equality 
• Todd Doherty (Cariboo – Prince George, British Columbia) – Special Advisor to the Leader on Mental Health and Wellness
• Tony Baldinelli (Niagara Falls, Ontario) – Special Advisor to the Leader on Tourism Recovery

Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Andrew Scheer, Leader of Canada’s Conservatives and of the Official Opposition, today announced the Back to Work Bonus, a Conservative proposal to make the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) more flexible and generous.

“Since the pandemic began, Conservatives have been putting forward constructive solutions to help Canadians,” Scheer said. “As provinces reopen, Canadians are optimistic about their futures and anxious to return to work.  They just need a helping hand.”

Under the Conservative plan, Canadians who lost their jobs through no fault of their own during the pandemic will continue to receive their full $2,000 CERB.  In addition, as businesses reopen, workers who make between $1,000 and $5,000 per month would qualify for the Back to Work Bonus, a gradually phased out CERB top-up.

“Conservatives believe it should always pay to work,” said Scheer.  “By making the CERB more flexible and generous, workers will have the support they need to transition back into the workforce.”

Despite a global pandemic, the private sector created almost 330,000 new jobs in May.  This continued private sector growth will be integral to Canada’s economic recovery.  Canada needs to be firing on all cylinders. 

“Conservatives are focused on getting Canadians the help they need.  We know that our economic recovery will be driven by Canadians’ hard work, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Scheer.  “The Back to Work Bonus will help Canadians get ahead.” 

See backgrounder for full policy details.

Ottawa, ON – The Honourable Andrew Scheer, Leader of Canada’s Conservatives and of the Official Opposition, issued the following statement regarding the charges laid by the Chinese government against Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor:

“It’s been 18 months since Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor were arbitrarily and unlawfully detained by the Chinese government. While in prison, these two Canadians have been subject to near torturous conditions and have had no access to lawyers or consular services for months. During this time, Justin Trudeau has done nothing to stand up against the People’s Republic of China’s actions.

“This case should be being dealt with at the highest levels. But Justin Trudeau has repeatedly refused to intervene.  His failure to do so and his decision to pick a Minister of Foreign Affairs who is indebted to a bank owned by the Chinese Communist Party has only further weakened Canada’s position. This is the same minister who just three years ago said that ‘China stands out as a beacon of stability, predictability, a rule-based system, a very inclusive society.’ I highly doubt Mr. Kovrig or Mr. Spavor would agree.

“Over the past five years, Justin Trudeau’s weak leadership and naïve approach to Beijing has let Canadians down. Many Canadians have been illegally detained, our exports have been blocked, our citizens harassed, and medical equipment we’ve received has been defective or contaminated, and Justin Trudeau has done nothing.

“He’s refused to pull Canadian taxpayer’s money from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and he still refuses to ban Huawei from Canada’s 5G network.

“Canadians deserve transparency and accountability when it comes to Canada’s relationship with Beijing, and they deserve to know that their government is standing up for our national interests. I will continue to call for Justin Trudeau to personally intervene in this case and hold him accountable for his naïve approach to Beijing.”

EDMONTON, AB – Matt Jeneroux, Conservative Shadow Minister for Health and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Riverbend, responded to today’s Patented Medicines Prices Review Board (PMPRB) announcement and called on the Liberal government to consult with patients to ensure all Canadians can access life-saving medications.
 
“I’m relieved that the voices of patients have been heard and the government has decided to delay the changes. However, we still have a lot of uncertainty and I expect the government to use this additional time to better consult with patients,” said MP Jeneroux.
 
After months of Conservatives advocating on behalf of concerned Canadians, raising the issue in Parliament and writing the Health Minister, the federal government delayed its July 1 implementation of the PMPRB regulations by six months. The regulatory changes set aggressive price ceilings for some new therapies, especially those involving rare disorders, that make it almost guaranteed that these therapies will not be brought to the Canadian market. 
 
Since October 2019, more than 25 new medicines have been launched in the United States and none of them have been submitted to Health Canada for approval due to the uncertainty of the regulatory changes. 
 
“We could see a drug shortage if these changes go ahead as planned in six months. Canada will no longer be a competitive marketplace and drug companies will be reluctant to bring their therapies here,” said MP Jeneroux.
 
Jeneroux added, “I’m regularly speaking with Canadians who depend on daily medical treatment and they’re afraid of how their futures will look if these changes proceed. Without the introduction of life-saving, innovative drugs in Canada, their options are quite limited. I’m again urging the Health Minister to put patients first and consult with them during this period to ensure that Canadians can access life-saving medications.”

OTTAWA, ON - The Hon. Michelle Rempel Garner, Shadow Minister for Industry and Economic Development, and MP Jeremy Patzer, issued the following statement regarding alarming testimony delivered by the Privacy Commissioner Therrien to the Standing Committee on Industry, Science, and Technology:
 
“As we know, the Prime Minister has said that he will soon be “strongly recommending” Canadians use a contact-tracing app in light of the pandemic. However, the Privacy Commissioner stated that he has not been consulted by the government on any plans to adopt a contact-tracing app, although he maintained that his office is available and ready to provide such guidance to the government. This is absolutely unacceptable.”
 
“When asked if he was confident whether Canadians privacy laws would protect Canadians if a breach of a contact tracing app occurred, the Privacy Commissioner responded “No, I am not. My office has been talking for several years about the fact that our legal framework needs to be modernized and strengthened.”
 
“Prior to COVID-19, Canada’s privacy laws were woefully inadequate. Now that Canadians are being required to conduct business online, work and attend school from home; and now may be required to install a tracking mechanism on their cellphones, it is difficult to underscore the potential for disaster in the event of a leak or hack. Additionally, Conservatives are not confident that existing laws have any teeth in the event of a breach.”
 
“In today’s testimony, the Privacy Commissioner also revealed some shocking issues with the Liberal government’s inaction on strengthening our privacy laws in Canada. We have questioned Minister Bains at the Industry Committee about this very issue and the apparent gaps in our current legislation. Yet, the government has not acted to fix these outdated laws, which has become even more urgent in light of this pandemic.
 
“After hearing from the Privacy Commissioner today, we now know that Canadians have even more reason to be worried for their personal information under this government. While the Commissioner stated clearly that public health can and should be protected in such a way that respects individual rights, including privacy, we also heard Liberal MPs ask about an opt-out system for a contact tracing app. As far as Conservatives are concerned, it is hard to see how, in practice, that kind of approach is not an invasion – if not a violation – of privacy. If something like this moves ahead, it would be coming from a government with departments which, according to the Commissioner, have frequently disagreed with recommendations for better protecting privacy. The Prime Minister, who has expressed interest in tracing technology, still has a lot more explaining to do.
 
“Canada’s Conservatives will continue to demand transparency and action from the government on data privacy. With the Prime Minister’s plans to strongly recommend a contact tracing app, Canadians need answers on privacy now more than ever.”

Ottawa, ON – Today, Conservative members of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, Blake Richards, John Brassard, Eric Duncan and Corey Tochor published a report outlining the Conservative case for parliamentary democracy and calling on the Trudeau government to restore normal Parliamentary sittings.

“There has been a tremendous amount of uncertainty over the past few months.  One thing though is abundantly clear – Justin Trudeau is letting Canadians down,” said MP Richards.

“Justin Trudeau has made it clear that he would like to permanently replace Parliament with press conferences.  He wants an audience, not an Opposition,” said MP Brassard.  “That is absolutely unacceptable.  In a democratic country like Canada, Parliament is an essential service and its role must be fully restored.”

Conservatives have repeatedly demonstrated how oversight and accountability get better results for Canadians.  Members of Parliament need to be able to ask tough questions and hold the Liberals accountable when they make bad decisions.

“Legislatures across the country and Parliaments around the world are planning to resume regular sittings as they ease their respective health restrictions,” said MP Duncan.  “Hundreds of thousands of Canadians are falling through the cracks because of unnecessarily rigid government programs.  They need our help.”

“The Trudeau Liberals are spending hundreds of billions of dollars and are now refusing to provide an economic update,” said MP Tochor.  “Canadian taxpayers deserve to know how the government is spending their money and what the plan is to safely restart our economy.”

Conservatives will strongly resist any effort to exploit the pandemic as a cover to implement a permanent virtual Parliament, with its reduced ability to hold a government accountable, gravely undermining our democracy.

Edmonton, AB – Today, James Cumming, Conservative Shadow Minister for Small Business and Export Promotion, issued the following statement regarding the Trudeau government’s decision to expand the eligibility criteria for the Canada Emergency Business Account:

“Canada’s Conservatives are committed to helping Canadian business owners and workers through these trying times. Last month, after the Liberal government introduced the Canada Emergency Business Account, Conservatives put forward two practical, common sense proposals to help fix the program’s senseless rules that excluded many deserving businesses. These included removing the requirement to have a business account to qualify for the CEBA, as well as expanding the eligibility criteria for the CEBA, so more small businesses qualify for the $40,000 loan.

“Today, the Liberal government announced that they are implementing one of our proposed changes, expanding the eligibility criteria to allow more small businesses – including sole proprietors, and dividend earners – to apply for the CEBA. This change will allow small businesses, such as the family-run business that typically has little cash to cushion catastrophic surprises like the COVID-19 shutdown, to get the support that they desperately need.

“While this change will help some small businesses that have been let down by the Trudeau government’s non-sensical barriers to qualify for support, Conservatives are still calling on the government to make the CEBA more accessible to businesses by removing the requirement to have a business account.

“Canada’s Conservatives will continue to put forward practical, common sense solutions to fix the Trudeau government’s programs, so that no small business falls through the cracks.”

Ottawa, ON – The Honourable Andrew Scheer, Leader of Canada’s Conservatives and of the Official Opposition, issued the following statement on Vesak:

“Today, Buddhists in Canada and around the world will commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and the passing of Buddha. 

“As the most important day in Buddhism, the community would normally celebrate by going to pray at the temple, and meditate upon Buddha’s teachings of kindness, generosity, peace and compassion. This year’s gatherings will look different due to the pandemic but I hope that those participating will still be able to connect with their loved ones in a safe and appropriate way.

“Canadians are fortunate to live in a country that respects human rights including the beliefs of others, and lets everyone realize their potential. Canada continues to be a beacon of religious freedom and a land of refuge for people of all cultural origins.

“On behalf Canada’s Conservatives, I thank all Canadians of the Buddhist community for their contributions, and I send my best wishes to everyone celebrating Vesak!” 

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For more information, please contact:

Julie Pham

(613) 947-9932

[email protected]