Andrew Scheer on Maxime Bernier resignation: ‘he has decided that he is more important than the Conservative Party’

Earlier this afternoon, Maxime Bernier announced at a press conference in Ottawa that he is resigning from the Conservative Party of Canada and intends to create a new party.

Maxime Bernier criticised the Conservative Party for turning their backs on his recent comments about diversity and his stance on supply management.

Speaking of Scheer, Bernier said “I’m now convinced that what we will get if Andrew Scheer will become Prime Minister is just a moderate version of the disastrous Liberal policies.”

The announcement came as a Conservative policy convention is set to begin in Halifax today.

Soon after Bernier’s comments Conservative Party Leader Andrew Scheer released a short statement claiming “since losing the leadership, Maxime has repeatedly demonstrated he’s interested in increasing his profile” and that “he had decided he is more important than the Conservative Party”.

Scheer claimed the Quebec MP had never come to him or to other members of the caucus about his ideas and as shadow minister took a disengaged interest in the party’s direction.

“It is clear that Maxime has made this decision a long time ago” Andrew Scheer said.

When speaking about his leadership over the party, Scheer insists that he stands for strong borders and free trade.

“It is unfortunate that Maxime has abandoned this fight” said Scheer “Canadians are looking at us and we will continue our work… we have an amazing united and principled team”.

Soon after Maxime Bernier’s resignation, Ontario Premier Doug Ford took to social media to announce his support for Andrew Scheer with the following tweet:Both Andrew Scheer and Doug Ford are set to be speaking at the Conservative policy convention currently taking place in Halifax.