The leadership race is over, and the Conservative Party of Canada has a new leader.
After countless delays Sunday evening, Erin O’Toole won the battle to lead the opposition party into the next election.
“I’m just so excited,” said Penticton Conservative Helena Konanz Tuesday morning. “We have been waiting for this for so long. Like so many things, it was delayed and delayed because of the pandemic and COVID. It was supposed to be done and finished in April, and the convention was supposed to have been in June. It just got drawn out.
“I’m particularly proud of our party for having run an election during this very difficult time. But it was important to have it done. I’m so glad it’s finished.”
Konanz, who fell to incumbent NDP MP Richard Cannings in the 2019 federal election, was involved in the leadership race from a local standpoint, fielding calls from constituents on how to vote.
“I tried to remain as neutral as possible so people would not feel pressured,” she said. “I was leaning a lot toward Erin but I wanted to make sure people had an idea of who every candidate was and their strengths.”
Konanz, who had outgoing leader Andrew Scheer in the Okanagan to help with campaigning in the South Okanagan-West Kootenay riding last fall, is excited about the new direction with O’Toole at the helm of the Conservatives.
“Yes, I’m a really big fan of Erin O’Toole. I’ve met him a few times and spent some good times with him. He was in Penticton twice I think last year,” said Konanz. “What’s neat is he’s a big fan of this area, so I think we’re going to be seeing him quite a bit when he can find the time.
“Now that he’s the leader, he’s going to be quite busy.”
Konanz, who spent two terms as a City of Penticton councillor, believes Erin O’Toole can successfully lead the Conservatives into the next election.
“Anyone who spends time around him can just feel his leadership qualities. He really has a presence. As soon as Canada gets to know him, I think they’re really going to embrace the fact he’s a really strong leader, and has a great resume,” she said. “He’s a veteran. He’s served our country. He’s worked in the private sector for quite a while as a lawyer.
“He’s not a professional politician necessarily, although he’s very good at that. He’s done other things, so I think he’ll be able to relate to a lot of Canadians.”
The Conservative leadership race was conducted virtually. There was no packed auditorium filled with supporters, signs and cheering.
Konanz doesn’t believe that will hurt the party.
“Like everything with this crisis, communication has been key with any organization. Because we had to put this leadership election together, our communication lines are up and running now,” said Konanz. “We had more members signed up than in the history of the leadership race. So now we have connections with people across the country, and that’s the beauty of running this election at this time. We did it safely obviously.
“So now we have the communication lines open to get the message out and get people up to speed on who Erin O’Toole is, and the direction our party is heading. I think it’s going to work out really well.”
So, is Helena Konanz ready to go out on a limb and predict when the next federal election will take place?
“Well, I’m going to say that old saying. I don’t have a crystal ball. According to the politicians who have spoken from the Block and NDP, there could possibly be an election in fall,” she responded. “I think there’s been an issue with the fact parliament hasn’t been sitting since March. Really, during this crisis, we need to have representation in Ottawa. We hear from constituents across the country that they’re not happy, especially with all the scandals going on in Ottawa.
“So it could be this fall, but I’m thinking in all practicality maybe next spring.”
