OTTAWA — Former Conservative leader Andrew Scheer has been selected by the Conservative caucus to serve as interim Opposition leader in the House of Commons during the upcoming spring session of Parliament. The decision came after an all-day caucus meeting on Parliament Hill, following the party’s electoral setback last week.
Scheer, the MP-elect for Regina—Qu’Appelle and a veteran figure within the party, will assume the role temporarily while current Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre remains without a seat in the House of Commons. Poilievre, who had represented Carleton for over two decades, lost his seat in last week’s federal election, leaving the party without its official leader in Parliament.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday evening, Scheer said he would take on the responsibilities of leading the Official Opposition in Parliament until Poilievre can re-enter the House. The Conservatives are now eyeing a potential byelection in Alberta to facilitate Poilievre’s return, as newly elected MP Damien Kurek has reportedly offered to step aside to open a path for the party leader.
The spring sitting of Parliament is set to begin on May 26, with Scheer expected to lead the Conservative charge from the Opposition benches in the interim.