Conservative leadership race: who’s in, who’s out, who’s still thinking it over

Maxime Bernier. The Quebec MP and former cabinet minister registered a few days after Leitch and has already outlined several key policy positions.

Andrew Scheer. The former Speaker of the House of Commons started his campaign at the end of September.

Michael Chong. The Ontario MP is a longtime champion of democratic reform.

Deepak Obhrai. One of the longest-serving Conservative MPs, he registered last month after telling his caucus colleagues this summer he planned to join the race.

Brad Trost. The social-conservative Saskatchewan MP first declared his interest in running for the top job after the party at its convention in May dropped a policy widely seen as opposing same-sex marriage.

Still working on it:

Lisa Raitt. The former cabinet minister and current Toronto-area MP stepped down from her role as finance critic Friday.

Chris Alexander. The former immigration minister, who lost his seat in the 2015 election, has made it clear in media reports he intends to run.

Steven Blaney. The Quebec MP and former cabinet quit as the official Opposition’s public services critic last month to explore a leadership bid.

Andrew Saxton. The defeated Vancouver-area MP is exploring a bid based on a desire to ensure a candidate from B.C., where he and his family have long lived.

Pierre Lemieux. Also defeated in the last election, the former eastern Ontario MP sent an email to supporters this summer to let them know he is trying to raise the money needed to join the race so that he can champion social-conservative values.

Adrienne Snow. A Toronto-based communications consultant, Snow was previously involved in several policy think-tanks.

Thinking it over:

Kevin O’Leary. The popular TV personality and businessman first mused about running for the leadership earlier this year, but also said he is in no rush to make up his mind.

Dan Lindsay. The former president of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba formed a committee in the spring to explore a possible campaign.

Out:

Tony Clement. The former cabinet minister dropped out of the leadership race this week, saying he did not want to expose his family to financial risk after his campaign fell short of fundraising goals he set when he began his bid in July.

The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Conservative leadership race: who’s in, who’s out, who’s still thinking it over

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