The group’s co-founder says a new advocacy group called “Center Ice” hopes to be the voice of Canada’s moderate Conservatives as the race for a new leader unfolds.
In an interview on CTV News’ Power Play channel on Thursday, Rick Peterson, a former leadership candidate, said there is a “widening” gap in the Canadian political arena, which currently has no representation. by any party, but ready to be energized.
“In our Conservative Party, at times those of us who are at the center of moderation seem a bit alienated or at times seem unwelcome. But on the other hand, the Liberals opened the center to the fact that they did this [confidence-and-supply agreement] with the NDP,” he said.
“There is a group of very strong, athletic Canadians, pragmatic Canadians in the middle, who are looking for [for a] central approach. ”
The Center Ice team will officially launch its advocacy efforts next Wednesday.
Peterson said he has his eye on a number of candidates who have made his name, such as Ontario MP Scott Aitchison, former Quebec Premier Jean Charest and Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, with strong moderate ideas.
“Clear lines means that there are leadership candidates in this leadership race who fully understand and accept the reality that we need to expand the Conservative Party base to the heart,” said Peterson. .
There are now eight candidates who have met the first deadline to run in the flip-flop race with a vote on September 10.
Listen to Rick Peterson’s interview at the top of this article.
