One of the province’s most prominent politicians will not throw his hat in for the Conservative Party leadership.
Former Central Nova MP Peter MacKay led the federal Progressive Conservatives and served as Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party under Steven Harper.
In a video posted to Facebook late Saturday, MacKay says he’s still working to repay debt from his failed 2020 Conservative Party of Canada leadership bid.
I would like to express profound appreciation to the hundreds of Canadians, friends, colleagues and supporters that have reached out and contacted me over the past month encouraging me to once again enter the leadership race. Your words and pledges of support were heartening and what made this decision so difficult. I sincerely thank you. After broad consultation and consideration I have come to the decision that I will not be putting my name forward in the 2022 leadership selection process for the Conservative Party of Canada. As a believer in fiscal and personal responsibility I remain committed to settling my 2020 leadership campaign debt before embarking on another run.With unforeseen and a last minute two-month extension of the 2020 campaign by the LEOC; and personal security requirements due to death threats against my family, we had cost overruns. Yet with the help of several dedicated volunteers and generous Canadians we hope to retire the debt.I also appreciate the unconditional support of my employers at Deloitte and McInnes Cooper during this period of contemplation. Most importantly to my wife Nazanin and our three children who felt my absense the most during the last round and yet were still willing to sacrifice more. I am forever grateful for your love and support.Taking on a leadership role demands a full commitment and involves enormous sacrifice. I admire all who are willing to step forward to serve our country in these demanding and volatile times. The current list of nominees is impressive and offer members a wide array of experience, policy and perspectives. I support our interim leader the Hon Candice Bergen and I will pledge my full support to the permanent leader once elected on September 10th.I remain steadfast in my commitment to Canada and advancing many important causes here at home and around the world. Sincerely,Peter Mackay
Posted by Peter MacKay on Saturday, March 12, 2022
MacKay ended the race with about $1 million in debt.
He also says he wants to spend more time with his family.
Four candidates have come forward in the race to replace ousted leader Erin O’Toole: Pierre Poilievre, Jean Charest, Leslyn Lewis, and Roman Baber.
