By Canadian Press

Conservative MP Scott Aitchison becomes sixth official candidate in leadership race

Apr 28, 2022 | 2:16 PM

OTTAWA — The Conservative Party of Canada is now up to six contenders who are officially in the running for Erin O’Toole’s former job. 

Rural Ontario MP Scott Aitchison has been confirmed as a verified candidate, meaning he has submitted $300,000 worth in registration fees. 

Aitchison, a former mayor, was first elected to the House of Commons in the 2019 federal election, months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. 

He was re-elected last year and had served as the party’s labour critic before deciding to run for the leadership.

Candidates must submit all of their fees and nomination signatures into the party’s headquarters no later than Friday at 5 p.m., if they want to be listed on the final ballot  when the party picks its next leader Sept. 10.  

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Ottawa-area MP Pierre Poilievre and Leslyn Lewis, the Ontario MP who placed third in the party’s 2020 leadership race, have also been officially declared as candidates. 

Others who have been confirmed are former Quebec premier Jean Charest, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and  Roman Baber, the Independent Ontario MPP. Premier Doug Ford booted Baber  from the Progressive Conservative caucus over his opposition to COVID-19 lockdowns.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 28, 2022

Stephanie Taylor, The Canadian Press