Conservative Leadership: The Candidates

Six candidates fulfilled the requirements to officially enter the leadership race, including a $200,000 entry fee and $100,000 compliance deposit.

Patrick Brown was disqualified on July 5 over "serious allegations of wrongdoing ... that appear to violate the financial provisions of the Canada Elections Act." 

The party's Leadership Election Organizing Committee said information provided by Brown's campaign "did not satisfy concerns" and that the allegations would be forwarded to Elections Canada.

Brown's campaign called the decision "reprehensible" and "undemocratic," and an attempt by some committee members to ensure a Poilievre victory.   

Brown told CPAC's Peter Van Dusen that there was an anonymous complaint that a business was paying a campaign worker, but that the party provided no details or evidence. 

"We don't believe our campaign has engaged in anything that is inconsistent with the party rules or Elections Canada rules," Brown said the day after his disqualification. 

Watch the full interview (July 6):

Jean Charest: June 16

The former Quebec premier, former federal minister, and former federal Progressive Conservative leader told Peter Van Dusen that "millions of political orphans" want a viable national alternative to the Trudeau government. 

"Do we want to win a leadership race or win a national election," Charest said. 

Charest would not commit to his future party role if he loses, saying he was "totally focused" on wining the leadership and winning was his only scenario.

Leslyn Lewis: June 9

The Ontario MP placed third in the 2020 leadership vote. She won 30% of third-round points despite earning more actual votes than both Erin O'Toole and Peter MacKay. 

Lewis joined Peter Van Dusen on PrimeTime Politics to discuss her second campaign -- and her demand for faster access to the party's membership list. 

Roman Baber: June 8

The former Ontario MPP was elected as a Progressive Conservative but later removed from caucus over his opposition to COVID-19 lockdowns and public health restrictions.

Baber joined Peter Van Dusen on PrimeTime Politics to discuss membership numbers and what Doug Ford's re-election means for his own campaign.

Scott Aitchison: May 9

The Ontario MP (Parry Sound--Muskoka) discussed his campaign and the party’s future. Aitchison also touched on the key issues surrounding the race and his concern about personal attacks among the candidates.

CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES

Pierre Poilievre: February 5

The Ottawa-area MP and former cabinet minister announced he was "running for prime minister" in this online video. 

March 14: Poilievre discusses immigration and his plan to incentive faster provincial recognition of foreign credentials. Asked how he would reduced divisions within the party and across Canada, Poilievre said: "I think we need to unite around freedom."

Jean Charest: March 10

Charest officially launched his campaign in Calgary.

Here's what Charest told reporters on March 2 after meeting Conservative MPs in Ottawa:

Patrick Brown: March 13

The Brampton mayor, former MP, and former Ontario Progressive Conservative leader launched his campaign.

(The party's leadership committee disqualified Brown on July 5, citing "serious allegations of wrongdoing ... that appear to violate the financial provisions of the Canada Elections Act." Brown's campaign called the decision "reprehensible" and "undemocratic," and an attempt by the party to ensure a Poilievre victory.)

Leslyn Lewis: March 8

Here's how Lewis launched her second leadership bid:

Scott Aitchison: March 20

Aitchison launched his campaign in Huntsville, Ont., where he served as mayor for five years. 

Roman Baber: March 9