OTTAWA — A list of candidates for the interim leadership of the Conservative Party:
Diane Finley, Haldimand-Norfolk, Ont.
Was first elected in 2004, and served in several cabinet posts in the Harper government.
Quote: "I know the realities of working as an opposition MP. I know what is expected of an opposition member. As interim leader, I would be prepared to support all members of our caucus, managing the transition from a very centralized PMO to a much more collaborative (Opposition Leaders Office)."
Rob Nicholson, Niagara Falls, Ont.
The former foreign affairs minister was first elected in 1984, serving as a Progressive Conservative until that party was defeated in 1993. He was re-elected as a Conservative MP in 2004 and has served in several cabinet posts.
Quote: "I've been in opposition, I've been in government, I’ve held a number of portfolios that have brought me into constant contact with my parliamentary colleagues."
Erin O'Toole, Oshawa, Ont.
Entered politics in a 2012 byelection and rose to become veterans affairs minister.
Quote: "Our party has always been a party of ideas and principles. I think we should be really proud to talk about those more and not as worried about missteps.''
Candice Bergen, Portage-Lisgar, Man.
First elected in 2008, took the Conservative lead on the legislation that ultimately killed the long-gun registry.
Quote: "I'm known to be very tough, but I'm not just fair, I'm reasonable. And I think that's an important quality that I bring."
Rona Ambrose, Sturgeon River-Parkland, Alta.
First elected in 2004, has served in several different cabinet positions.
Quote: "We've got make sure we're prepared to welcome the next leader with money in the bank and a rejuvenated volunteer base, and a caucus that is united and reinvigorated and empowered, so that when a leader takes over, things are in the best possible position to take us into the next election and continue to take on Justin Trudeau in the Commons."
Mike Lake, Edmonton–Wetaskiwin, Alta.
Lake was first elected in 2006 and served in several junior cabinet posts. He is known for his advocacy for autism research, often appearing with his son Jaden, who has autism, at events around North America.
Quote: "I think that as soon as Parliament resumes we want to create a level of energy that is going to carry through to a leadership race and beyond and build some momentum."
Denis Lebel, Lac-Saint-Jean, Que.; Michelle Rempel, Calgary Nose Hill, Alta.
The pair put their names forward together to tackle one of the main weaknesses in the other candidates — none are bilingual. Lebel is also the senior member of the revitalized Conservative caucus from Quebec, while Rempel, first elected in 2011, is seen as the voice of the new generation of Tories.
Quote: "We would bring depth in talent in political management, vigour in communication, and represent gender and language balance to this role. We will provide you with more information on our managerial, communication skills, and party activist activities."
