Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario leadership election, 2009
Encyclopedia
On March 6, 2009, Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario
leader John Tory
announced his intention to step down as leader following his defeat in a by-election. Tory was elected party leader in the party's 2004 leadership election
, and led the party to defeat in the 2007 provincial election
in which he failed to win personal election to the Ontario Legislature
. He attempted again to enter the legislature in a March 5, 2009 by-election but was defeated by the Liberal candidate.
The party's executive set June 27, 2009 as the date for the new leader to be announced over the objections of several MPPs who called for a September vote. Candidates were required to register as such by April 17; in order to be able to cast a ballot it was necessary for one to have been a member of the party by May 14. Of the 25 members caucus
, Interim Leader
Bob Runciman
remained neutral in the race and MPP Joyce Savoline
has yet to endorse a candidate.
The party reported that it had over 40,000 members eligible to vote in the leadership contest as of the membership cut-off of May 15, up from 8,500 at the beginning of the leadership race. Of the 43,000 members eligible to vote some 25,429 members cast a ballot.
, 41, was the MPP for Niagara West—Glanbrook
and had sat in the provincial legislature since 1995. He was the party's finance critic and was seen to be on the right of the party. Some consider Hudak to be the "front runner". Including himself, Hudak had the backing of a majority of the 24 member caucus.
, 53, was MPP for Whitby—Oshawa
, first winning the seat in a 2006 by-election, and wife of Jim Flaherty
. Elliott filed her nomination papers on March 31 and officially launched her campaign on April 3, 2009.
, 58, was the Chief Government Whip in the Harris government, and Minister of Tourism and of Transportation in the Eves government. He came in third place in the 2004 leadership election. Klees appeared on Reverend Charles McVety
's television program on March 29 and said he would like to run. McVety endorsed Klees during the broadcast. Klees told CTV News that he decided to throw his hat into the ring "after very careful consideration.”
, 50, was a rural activist and founder of the Ontario Landowners Association
. He was first elected MPP for Lanark—Frontenac—Lennox and Addington
in the 2007 provincial election
. Hillier says that as Premier he would abolish the Ontario Human Rights Commission
, allow Ontario to elect its federal Senators and introduce a bill making membership in unions and professional associations voluntary.
First Ballot>
Candidate
Weighted Votes
(sum of percentages in each riding)
Percentage
Tim Hudak
3,511.873
33.9
Frank Klees
3,093.770
29.9
Christine Elliott
2,728.664
26.4
Randy Hillier
1,013.694
9.8
Total
10,348
100
Movement: Hillier eliminated and endorses Hudak; prior to balloting Hillier asked his supporters to make Hudak their second choice.
Second Ballot>
Candidate
Weighted Votes
(sum of percentages in each riding)
Percentage
+/-
Tim Hudak
4,128.570
39.95
6.0
Frank Klees
3,299.809
31.94
1.9
Christine Elliott
2,903.621
28.10
1.6
Total
10,332
100.0
Does not include votes that were spoiled because no second choice was indicated.
Movement: Elliott eliminated
Third Ballot>
Candidate
Weighted Votes
(sum of percentages in each riding)
Percentage
+/-
Tim Hudak
5,606
54.25
+14.3
Frank Klees
4,644
44.94
13.0
Total
10,332
100.0
Does not include votes that were spoiled because no second or third choice was indicated.
in its leadership election
. Each provincial riding association
has up to 100 Electoral Votes that will be allocated among the candidates by proportional representation
according to the votes cast by party members within the riding. This is not a pure "one member one vote" system since each riding generally has equal weight. (Ridings with fewer than 100 voting party members are allocated one Electoral Vote per voting member; ridings with 100 or more voting party members are allocated 100 Electoral Votes.) Voting will occur on June 21 and 25 via a preferential ballot.
This system is designed to favour candidates who can win support across the province and win in a majority of ridings. This replicates what is necessary for a party to win a general election - though without the "first past the post" feature of elections under the Westminster system
. The party will use a preferential ballot
on which voters rank their choices. If no candidate wins a majority of Electoral Votes, then the last-place candidate is eliminated, and his votes are redistributed according to second-choice rankings.
There was an entry fee of $50,000 and spending limit of $750,000 but no fundraising limit; twenty per cent of the money raised by candidates was shared with the party.
Other rules required each candidate to have a nominator and a seconder, as well as 100 members who all sign for the nomination, no more than 10 of these can live in the same riding. Candidates must also make a $25,000 deposit, that is refundable. Furthermore, 20% of all donations over $5,000, with the exception of the first $75,000 raised, must be given to the party; this money is then exempted from the spending limit. Candidates have until Thursday, June 18, at noon to drop out of the race. There will be a minimum of one all-candidates debate. Any candidate who failed to get 10% of the vote, along with the last-placed candidate, was dropped from balloting should no one candidate get a majority of votes on the first ballot. All ridings had one balloting location with the exception of the 12 largest ridings in the province.
Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario
The Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario , is a right-of-centre political party in Ontario, Canada. The party was known for many years as "Ontario's natural governing party." It has ruled the province for 80 of the years since Confederation, including an uninterrupted run from 1943 to 1985...
leader John Tory
John Tory
John Howard Tory is a Canadian businessman, political activist, former leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, former Member of Provincial Parliament and broadcaster...
announced his intention to step down as leader following his defeat in a by-election. Tory was elected party leader in the party's 2004 leadership election
Ontario Progressive Conservative leadership election, 2004
On January 23, 2004, the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario leader Ernie Eves announced his intention to step down as leader before the fall of 2004. Eves was elected party leader in the party's 2002 leadership election, and became Premier of Ontario...
, and led the party to defeat in the 2007 provincial election
Ontario general election, 2007
The Ontario general election of 2007 was held on October 10, 2007 to elect members of the 39th Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, Canada. The Liberals under Dalton McGuinty won the election with a majority government, winning 71 out of a possible 107 seats with 42.2% of the popular...
in which he failed to win personal election to the Ontario Legislature
Legislative Assembly of Ontario
The Legislative Assembly of Ontario , is the legislature of the Canadian province of Ontario, and is the second largest provincial legislature of Canada...
. He attempted again to enter the legislature in a March 5, 2009 by-election but was defeated by the Liberal candidate.
The party's executive set June 27, 2009 as the date for the new leader to be announced over the objections of several MPPs who called for a September vote. Candidates were required to register as such by April 17; in order to be able to cast a ballot it was necessary for one to have been a member of the party by May 14. Of the 25 members caucus
Caucus
A caucus is a meeting of supporters or members of a political party or movement, especially in the United States and Canada. As the use of the term has been expanded the exact definition has come to vary among political cultures.-Origin of the term:...
, Interim Leader
Interim leader
An interim leader, in Canadian politics, is a party leader appointed by the party's legislative caucus or the party's executive to temporarily act as leader when a gap occurs between the resignation or death of a party leader and the election of a formal successor...
Bob Runciman
Bob Runciman
Robert William "Bob" Runciman is a veteran Canadian politician and former provincial Leader of the Opposition in the Ontario Legislature. First elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 1981, he held the seat continuously for Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario for the next 29 years...
remained neutral in the race and MPP Joyce Savoline
Joyce Savoline
Joyce Savoline is a politician in Ontario, Canada. She is a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, representing the electoral district of Burlington for the Progressive Conservatives...
has yet to endorse a candidate.
The party reported that it had over 40,000 members eligible to vote in the leadership contest as of the membership cut-off of May 15, up from 8,500 at the beginning of the leadership race. Of the 43,000 members eligible to vote some 25,429 members cast a ballot.
Tim Hudak
Tim HudakTim Hudak
Timothy Patrick "Tim" Hudak is a politician in Ontario, Canada, and the Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario . He also serves as member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario for the riding of Niagara West—Glanbrook.-Background:Tim Hudak was born in Fort Erie, Ontario...
, 41, was the MPP for Niagara West—Glanbrook
Niagara West—Glanbrook (provincial electoral district)
Niagara West—Glanbrook is a provincial electoral district in south eastern Ontario, Canada. It elects one member to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario....
and had sat in the provincial legislature since 1995. He was the party's finance critic and was seen to be on the right of the party. Some consider Hudak to be the "front runner". Including himself, Hudak had the backing of a majority of the 24 member caucus.
- Policies: Abolition of the Ontario Human Rights CommissionOntario Human Rights CommissionThe Ontario Human Rights Commission was established in the Canadian province of Ontario on March 29, 1961 to administer the Ontario Human Rights Code...
and replace it with a court-based system based on rules of evidence., Paycheque Protection Law to give workers the option of opting out of funding political campaigns, a secret ballot vote when employees decide to join a union as opposed to card checkCard checkCard check is a method for American employees to organize into a labor union in which a majority of employees in a bargaining unit sign authorization forms, or "cards," stating they wish to be represented by the union...
, introduction of a high school exit exam.
- MPPs who were supporters (12): Bob BaileyBob Bailey (politician)Bob Bailey is a Canadian politician. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in the 2007 provincial election, representing the riding of Sarnia—Lambton. He is a member of the Progressive Conservatives....
; Toby BarrettToby BarrettToby Barrett is a Progressive Conservative member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario representing the district of Haldimand—Norfolk for the Progressive Conservative Party....
; Ted ChudleighTed ChudleighTed Chudleigh is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He is a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, representing the riding of Halton for the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario...
; Garfield DunlopGarfield Dunlopthumb|Garfield Dunlop speaks at a Literacy conference in June 2009Garfield Dunlop is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He is a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, representing the riding of Simcoe North for the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario.Dunlop was educated at the...
; Lisa MacLeodLisa MacLeodLisa MacLeod is a Canadian politician, who was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario on March 30, 2006 and subsequently re-elected on October 10, 2007...
; Gerry MartiniukGerry MartiniukGerry Martiniuk is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He is a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, representing the riding of Cambridge for the Progressive Conservative Party....
; Norm MillerNorm MillerNorm Miller is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He is a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, representing the riding of Parry Sound—Muskoka for the Progressive Conservatives...
; Julia MunroJulia MunroJulia Munro is a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, representing the Greater Toronto Area riding of York—Simcoe for the Progressive Conservative Party....
; Norm SterlingNorm SterlingNorman William Sterling is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He is one of the longest-serving members of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, having been first elected in 1977....
; Jim Wilson; John YakabuskiJohn YakabuskiJohn Yakabuski is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He is a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, representing the eastern Ontario riding of Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke for the Progressive Conservative Party...
; Ernie HardemanErnie HardemanErnie Hardeman is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He is a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, representing the rural riding of Oxford for the Progressive Conservative Party....
. - Federal MPs who were supporters (17): Cabinet ministers John BairdJohn Baird (Canadian politician)John Russell Baird, PC, MP is a Canadian politician currently serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the cabinet of Prime Minister Stephen Harper....
, Tony ClementTony ClementTony Peter Clement, PC, MP is a Canadian federal politician, President of the Treasury Board, Minister for the Federal Economic Initiative for Northern Ontario and member of the Conservative Party of Canada....
, Jason KenneyJason KenneyJason T. Kenney, PC, MP is Canada's current Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. He has represented the riding of Calgary Southeast in the Canadian House of Commons since 1997....
, Rob NicholsonRob NicholsonRobert Douglas "Rob" Nicholson, PC, QC, MP , is the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. He is a current member of the Canadian House of Commons, representing the riding of Niagara Falls for the Conservative Party and the current Minister of Justice after serving for one year as...
, and Peter Van LoanPeter Van LoanPeter Van Loan, PC MP is a Canadian politician who is the Member of Parliament for the electoral district of York—Simcoe. He has been the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons since May 18, 2011, a role he previously held from 2007 to 2008.-Biography:Born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Van...
; MPs Dean AllisonDean AllisonDean Allison is a Canadian politician. He was elected to the Canadian House of Commons in the 2004 federal election for the new riding of Niagara West—Glanbrook...
, Gord BrownGord BrownGordon "Gord" Brown is a Canadian politician. He is a current member of the Canadian House of Commons, representing the Ontario riding of Leeds—Grenville as a Conservative member....
, Patrick BrownPatrick Brown (politician)Patrick W. Brown is a Canadian lawyer and politician affiliated with the Conservative Party of Canada. In 2006, Brown was elected to serve in the Canadian parliament representing the riding of Barrie...
, Paul CalandraPaul CalandraPaul Calandra is a Canadian politician. He was elected to represent the electoral district of Oak Ridges—Markham in the 2008 Canadian federal election...
, Barry DevolinBarry DevolinBarry Devolin, MP is a Canadian politician. He is a current Member of Parliament serving the riding of Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock....
, Rick DykstraRick DykstraRichard "Rick" Dykstra is a Canadian politician. He was elected to the Canadian House of Commons in the 2006 federal election, for the Ontario riding of St. Catharines. Dykstra is a member of the Conservative Party of Canada...
, Royal GalipeauRoyal GalipeauRoyal Galipeau is a Member of Parliament for the Ottawa—Orléans federal constituency. He was the successful Conservative Party candidate in the Canadian federal elections of 2006 and 2008...
, Daryl KrampDaryl KrampDaryl Kramp is a Canadian politician. He is a current member of the Canadian House of Commons, representing Prince Edward—Hastings as a Conservative....
, Pierre PoilievrePierre PoilievrePierre Poilievre, MP is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He is currently a member of the Canadian House of Commons representing the suburban Ottawa riding of Nepean-Carleton. First elected in 2004, Poilievre was re-elected in 2006 and 2008. Poilievre received the second highest vote total of any...
, Joe PrestonJoe Preston (politician)Joseph "Joe" Preston is a Canadian politician and Conservative Member of Parliament representing Elgin—Middlesex—London riding.He defeated Liberal incumbent Gar Knutson in the 2004 federal election...
, Gary SchellenbergerGary SchellenbergerGary Ralph Schellenberger is a Canadian politician. He is a current member of the Canadian House of Commons, representing the riding of Perth—Wellington for the Conservative Party....
, and David SweetDavid SweetDavid S. Sweet is a Canadian politician who began serving his first term of office in January 2006. He is a former CEO of Promise Keepers Canada.-Political career:...
. - Other high profile supporters: Mike HarrisMike HarrisMichael Deane "Mike" Harris was the 22nd Premier of Ontario from June 26, 1995 to April 15, 2002. He is most noted for the "Common Sense Revolution", his Progressive Conservative government's program of deficit reduction in combination with lower taxes and cuts to government...
, former Premier of Ontario, Blair McCreadieBlair McCreadieBlair Wilson McCreadie is the past president of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario. He was unopposed in his bid for the position, and was consequently acclaimed for a two year term on October 27, 2002 at the party's convention of that year....
, former party President, Tom Long, former party President and strategist, former Cabinet Ministers Brenda ElliottBrenda ElliottBrenda Elliott is a politician in Ontario, Canada. She served in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as a Progressive Conservative from 1995 to 2003, and was a cabinet minister in the governments of Mike Harris and Ernie Eves....
and Dave JohnsonDavid Johnson (Canadian politician)David John Johnson is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He was the mayor of East York from 1982 to 1993, a Progressive Conservative member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1993 to 1999, and a senior cabinet minister in the government of Mike Harris.Johnson has a Bachelor of Science...
, former MPPs Doug GaltDoug GaltDoug Galt is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He was a Progressive Conservative member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1995 to 2003, and an unsuccessful contender for the Canadian House of Commons in 2004....
, Ron Johnson, Bart MavesBart MavesBart Maves is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He is a Regional Councillor representing Niagara Falls for the 2010-2014 term and was a Progressive Conservative member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1995 to 2003.Before running for office himself, Maves worked as a legislative...
, Tim PetersonTim PetersonTim Peterson is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, representing the Greater Toronto Area riding of Mississauga South...
, and Joe Tascona, as well as 2007 candidates Kevin Ashe, Ron Swain, Pam Hundal, Dan McCreary, Doug Jackson, Antonio Garcia, Bill Fehr, Richard Kniaziew, Bob Senechal, Chris Robertson, Tara Crugnale, Bob Charters, Rob Morley, Penny Lucas, Michael Harris, Monte McNaughton, Rob Alder, Allison Graham, Zoran Churchin, David Brown, Nina Tangri, Bill VreboschBill VreboschBill Vrebosch was the provincial Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario candidate in the riding of Nipissing in the 2007 Ontario election. He is a long serving municipal politician, serving on council in the township of East Ferris as deputy reeve, reeve and mayor since 1978.Vrebosch attended...
, Cathy Galt, Phil Bannon, Rick Byers, Richard Raymond, Bruce Poulin, John Rutherford, John Del Grande, Bruce Timms, Lillyann Goldstein, Louis Delongchamp, Scott Hobbs, Doug Shearer, Steve Kidd, Ron Bodner, Lisa Lumley, 2008 federal Conservative candidate Hugh Arrison, John Cruickshank 2nd Vice President, Mark Spiro 4th Vice President, Kate Bartz Southwest Regional Vice President, Tony Quirk South Central Regional Vice President, Eric Merkley President Ontario PC Campus Association, former federal MP and cabinet minister Monte SolbergMonte SolbergMonte Kenton Solberg, PC is a former Canadian Member of Parliament, representing the riding of Medicine Hat in the Canadian House of Commons as a member of the Conservative Party of Canada. He was the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development...
, former MP Jean PigottJean PigottJean Elizabeth Morrison Pigott, OC is a former Canadian politician and businessperson.Pigott's family has lived in the Ottawa Valley for four generations. She was president and CEO of her family's business, Morrison-Lamothe Bakery, one of only three women CEOs in Canada in the early 1970s...
. - Date campaign announced: April 2, 2009
- Date campaign officially launched: April 2, 2009
- Date officially registered: April 7, 2009
- Result: Winner
- Website: timhudak.ca
- Twitter: timhudak
Christine Elliott
Christine ElliottChristine Elliott
Christine Janice Elliott is a Canadian politician, who was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in a byelection on March 30, 2006. Elliott was a candidate in the 2009 Progressive Conservative leadership election and came in third place behind winner Tim Hudak and runner-up Frank...
, 53, was MPP for Whitby—Oshawa
Whitby—Oshawa
Whitby—Oshawa is a federal electoral district in Ontario, Canada, that has been represented in the Canadian House of Commons since 2004.It has been represented in the House of Commons since 2006 by Jim Flaherty, the federal Minister of Finance.-History:...
, first winning the seat in a 2006 by-election, and wife of Jim Flaherty
Jim Flaherty
James Michael "Jim" Flaherty, PC, MP is Canada's Minister of Finance and he has also served as Ontario's Minister of Finance. From 1995 until 2005, he was the Member of Provincial Parliament for Whitby—Ajax, and a member of the Progressive Conservative Party caucus...
. Elliott filed her nomination papers on March 31 and officially launched her campaign on April 3, 2009.
- Policies: Replace province's progressive income tax with an 8% flat taxFlat taxA flat tax is a tax system with a constant marginal tax rate. Typically the term flat tax is applied in the context of an individual or corporate income that will be taxed at one marginal rate...
along with raising the basic personal amount from $8,881 to approximately $18,000, reform EI and make it more fair to Ontario or build a made-in-Ontario EI solution, crack down on crime - targeting repeat offenders, gang violence, and illegal cigarettes, freeze the minimum wageMinimum wageA minimum wage is the lowest hourly, daily or monthly remuneration that employers may legally pay to workers. Equivalently, it is the lowest wage at which workers may sell their labour. Although minimum wage laws are in effect in a great many jurisdictions, there are differences of opinion about...
for 4 years, double tax credit for charitable donations of more than $200, creation of jobs and improve services, access to justice and post-secondary education for Northern Ontario communities. - MPPs who were supporters (5): Ted ArnottTed ArnottTheodore Calvin Arnott is a Progressive Conservative member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario representing the district of Wellington—Halton Hills....
; Sylvia JonesSylvia JonesSylvia Jones is a Canadian politician. She was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in the 2007 provincial election, representing the riding of Dufferin—Caledon. She is a member of the Progressive Conservatives.-External links:*...
; Bill MurdochBill MurdochBill Murdoch is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He has been a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario since 1990, and represents the riding of Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound as a Progressive Conservative....
; John O'TooleJohn O'TooleJohn O'Toole is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He has been a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario since 1995, representing the riding of Durham for the Progressive Conservative Party....
; and Elizabeth WitmerElizabeth WitmerElizabeth Witmer is a politician in Ontario, Canada. She has been a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario since 1990, originally representing Waterloo North and later Kitchener—Waterloo for the Progressive Conservative Party.Witmer moved with her family to Ontario at a young age...
, Deputy Leader of the Official Opposition, Opposition House Leader, and Critic for Health and Long-Term Care. - Federal MPs who were supporters (14): Cabinet ministers Helena GuergisHelena GuergisHelena C. Guergis, PC, is a Canadian politician. She has represented Simcoe—Grey in the Canadian House of Commons since 2004, and was appointed Minister of State on October 30, 2008, following the October 14, 2008 Canadian federal election...
, Jim FlahertyJim FlahertyJames Michael "Jim" Flaherty, PC, MP is Canada's Minister of Finance and he has also served as Ontario's Minister of Finance. From 1995 until 2005, he was the Member of Provincial Parliament for Whitby—Ajax, and a member of the Progressive Conservative Party caucus...
, and Bev OdaBev OdaThe Hon. Beverley Joan "Bev" Oda, PC, MP is a Canadian politician. She is a current member of the Canadian House of Commons, as well as the first Japanese-Canadian MP and cabinet minister in Canadian history. She represents the riding of Durham for the Conservative Party of Canada. She was...
; MPs Peter BraidPeter BraidPeter Braid is a Canadian politician. He was elected to represent the electoral district of Kitchener—Waterloo in the 2008 Canadian federal election, defeating incumbent Andrew Telegdi by a margin of 17 votes. He is a member of the Conservative Party...
, Colin CarrieColin CarrieColin Carrie is a Canadian politician. He is a current member of the Canadian House of Commons, representing the riding of Oshawa in the province of Ontario for the Conservative Party of Canada.-Personal life:...
, Michael ChongMichael ChongMichael David Chong, PC, MP is a Canadian politician. He has represented the riding of Wellington—Halton Hills in the Canadian House of Commons since 2004. He served in the cabinet of Prime Minister Stephen Harper as Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Sport, as well as the...
, Ed HolderEd HolderEdwin A. Holder is a Canadian politician, who was elected to represent the electoral district of London West in the 2008 Canadian federal election. He is a member of the Conservative Party.-Electoral record:...
, Dean Del MastroDean Del MastroDean A. Del Mastro, is a Canadian politician. Since 2006, he has represented Peterborough in the Canadian House of Commons as a member of the Conservative Party...
, Greg RickfordGreg RickfordGreg Rickford is a Canadian politician. Rickford was elected to represent the Ontario electoral district of Kenora in the 2008 Canadian federal election....
, Bruce StantonBruce StantonRonald Bruce Stanton is a Canadian politician and the current Member of Parliament for the riding of Simcoe North. He ran as a member of the Conservative Party in the 2006 federal election and won with 40.44% of the vote. Prior to being elected, he ran a family tourism business on Sparrow Lake...
, Dave Van KesterenDave Van KesterenDavid "Dave" E. Van Kesteren is the Conservative Member of the Parliament of Canada in the riding of Chatham-Kent—Essex....
, Mike WallaceMike Wallace (politician)Michael L. Wallace is a Canadian politician, currently representing the electoral district of Burlington in the Canadian House of Commons as a member of the Conservative Party of Canada....
, Jeff Watson, and Terence YoungTerence Young (politician)Terence Young is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He was elected for the riding of Oakville in the 2008 federal election, as a Conservative candidate. Previously, Young was a Progressive Conservative member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario between 1995 and 1999.-Early years:Young was the...
. - Senators who were supporters (9): Leader of the Government in the Senate, the Hon. Marjory LeBretonMarjory LeBretonMarjory LeBreton, PC is Leader of the Government in the Canadian Senate, a position of cabinet-rank; and vice-chair of Mothers Against Drunk Driving in Canada...
; Consiglio Di NinoConsiglio Di NinoConsiglio Di Nino is a businessman and Canadian Senator.Born in Italy, Di Nino immigrated to Canada with his family at the age of 13...
; Nicole EatonNicole EatonNicole Marie Eaton is a Canadian politician and a Conservative member of the Canadian Senate. She is the daughter of Edmond Jacques Courtois and sister of Canada Post Chairman Marc Courtois. She was appointed on the advice of Stephen Harper to the Senate on December 22, 2008, her term starting on...
; Trevor EytonTrevor EytonJohn Trevor Eyton, is a Canadian businessman, former lawyer, and retired Senator.Eyton was born in Quebec City in 1934 and was educated and raised in Quebec and Toronto. He was educated at Beaupré Public School and Jarvis Collegiate Institute...
; Wilbert KeonWilbert KeonWilbert Joseph Keon, OC is a heart surgeon, researcher and was a Canadian Senator.Born in Sheenboro, Quebec, he received a Bachelor of Science from St. Patrick's College, Carleton University and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Ottawa.After a period of studying and teaching at Harvard...
; Michael MeighenMichael MeighenMichael Arthur Meighen, QC is a Canadian senator, lawyer and cultural patron. A litigation and commercial lawyer who has practiced in Montreal and Toronto, he is a member of the Bars of both Ontario and Quebec....
; Lowell MurrayLowell MurrayLowell Murray, PC is a former Canadian senator and long-time activist with the federal Progressive Conservative Party.-Education:...
; Nancy RuthNancy RuthNancy Ruth, CM is a Canadian Senator from Ontario. She was appointed to the Senate by Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, on the advice of Prime Minister Paul Martin, on March 24, 2005. While initially appointed as a Progressive Conservative, on March 28, 2006 she joined the Conservative caucus...
; Hugh SegalHugh SegalHugh Segal, CM is a Canadian senator, political strategist, author, and commentator. Segal is credited with helping Stephen Harper become Prime Minister by moderating his image.-Life and career:...
. - Other high profile supporters: Former MPPs and cabinet ministers Janet EckerJanet EckerJanet Ecker is a politician in Ontario, Canada. She was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1995 to 2003, and was a senior cabinet minister in the governments of Mike Harris and Ernie Eves.-Background:...
, David TsubouchiDavid Tsubouchiis a former politician in Ontario, Canada. He was a Progressive Conservative member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1995 to 2003, and was a cabinet minister in the governments of Mike Harris and Ernie Eves.-Education:...
, and Noble VilleneuveNoble VilleneuveNoble Villeneuve is a former politician in Ontario, Canada. He was a Progressive Conservative member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1983 to 1999, and served as a cabinet minister in the governments of Frank Miller and Mike Harris.Villeneuve did not attend university, and worked as a...
; John WeirJohn WeirSir John Weir, GCVO, Royal Victorian Chain , MB ChB Glasgow 1907, FFHom 1943, Physician Royal to several twentieth century monarchs....
, Former Principal Secretary to Mike HarrisMike HarrisMichael Deane "Mike" Harris was the 22nd Premier of Ontario from June 26, 1995 to April 15, 2002. He is most noted for the "Common Sense Revolution", his Progressive Conservative government's program of deficit reduction in combination with lower taxes and cuts to government...
; Judy Bobka, PCPO Secretary; Brayden Akers, President, OPCYA; Richard CianoRichard CianoRichard Ciano was National Vice President and National Councillor of the Conservative Party of Canada. He was elected to the National Council of the Conservative Party of Canada on March 19, 2005 at the Conservative Party of Canada's founding convention in Montreal and served until the November...
, former federal CPC Vice-President; Toronto City Councillors Rob FordRob FordRobert Bruce "Rob" Ford is the 64th and current Mayor of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He was first elected to city council in the 2000 Toronto municipal election, and was re-elected to his council seat in 2003 and again in 2006...
and John ParkerJohn Parker (Canadian politician)John L. Parker is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He was a Progressive Conservative member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1995 to 1999. He is now Toronto city councillor for Ward 26, Don Valley West.-Background:...
; 2006 Toronto-Centre federal Conservative candidate Lewis Reford; 2007 candidates Pamela Taylor, Bruce Fitzpatrick, Gary CrawfordGary Crawford (politician)Gary Crawford is a Canadian politician, who was elected to Toronto City Council in the 2010 city council election to succeed Brian Ashton in Ward 36. Crawford is a strong advocate for the arts...
, Robert Bisbicis; Former MPP for Etobicoke North John Hastings; former PC party president Kay Wetherall, former Ontario PC cabinet minister and PC Party President Steve GilchristSteve GilchristSteve Gilchrist is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He was a Progressive Conservative member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1995 to 2003, and served as a cabinet minister in the government of Mike Harris....
, Former Progressive Conservative Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier Bette StephensonBette StephensonBette Mildred Stephenson, OC, O.Ont is a Canadian medical doctor and former politician in Ontario. She served in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1975 to 1987, and was a cabinet minister in the Progressive Conservative governments of Bill Davis and Frank Miller.-Medical career:Born in...
; Former Mississauga MPP and cabinet minister Rob SampsonRob SampsonRob Sampson is a politician in the Canadian province of Ontario. He was a Progressive Conservative member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1995 to 2003, and was a cabinet minister in the government of Mike Harris.-Career:Sampson has a Bachelor of Arts degree and an MBA from Queen's...
; former Correctional Services and Government Services Minister John Roxburgh Smith; Denise Cole, former Premier Mike Harris’ Director of Policy. - Date campaign announced: March 31, 2009
- Date campaign officially launched: April 3, 2009
- Date officially registered: April 1, 2009
- Result: Third
- Website: votechristine.ca
- Twitter: votechristine
Frank Klees
Frank KleesFrank Klees
Frank Klees is a Canadian politician and the Progressive Conservative member of Provincial Parliament for the riding of Newmarket—Aurora north of Toronto. He was a candidate in the 2009 Progressive Conservative leadership election placing second behind victor Tim Hudak.-Early life:Klees was born...
, 58, was the Chief Government Whip in the Harris government, and Minister of Tourism and of Transportation in the Eves government. He came in third place in the 2004 leadership election. Klees appeared on Reverend Charles McVety
Charles McVety
Charles H. McVety is a Canadian evangelical Christian leader. He has been the president of Canada Christian College in Toronto since 1993, and he is also the current president of Canada Family Action Coalition. He is perhaps best known for campaigning to repeal the law legalizing same-sex...
's television program on March 29 and said he would like to run. McVety endorsed Klees during the broadcast. Klees told CTV News that he decided to throw his hat into the ring "after very careful consideration.”
- Policies: Proposed reduction in provincial sales tax to offset application of new Harmonized Sales TaxHarmonized Sales TaxThe Harmonized Sales Tax is the name used in Canada to describe the combination of the federal Goods and Services Tax and the regional Provincial Sales Tax into a single value added sales tax in five of the ten Canadian provinces: Ontario, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, British...
to items previously exempt from the PST, supports grassroots policy development, improve transportation infrastructure, make university/college/trade school graduates exempt from paying provincial income taxes for the first four years after leaving school. - MPPs who were supporters (2): Peter ShurmanPeter ShurmanPeter Shurman is a Progressive Conservative Member for Thornhill in the Ontario Legislature. Prior to his election, he was a radio talk show host on CFRB in Toronto.-Background:Shurman was born in Montreal in 1947...
and Jerry OuelletteJerry OuelletteJerry J. Ouellette is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He has been a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario since 1995, representing the riding of Oshawa for the Progressive Conservative Party. Ouellette was Minister of Natural Resources in the government of Ernie Eves.Ouellette graduated...
. - Federal MPs who were supporters: Lois BrownLois BrownLois Brown is a Canadian businesswoman and politician, currently the elected Member of Parliament for Newmarket—Aurora...
- Other high profile supporters: Rev. Charles McVetyCharles McVetyCharles H. McVety is a Canadian evangelical Christian leader. He has been the president of Canada Christian College in Toronto since 1993, and he is also the current president of Canada Family Action Coalition. He is perhaps best known for campaigning to repeal the law legalizing same-sex...
; John Capobianco party organizer; Sandra BucklerSandra BucklerSandra Buckler is a former director of communications for the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada. She was appointed in 2006 and resigned from her position on June 26, 2008.- References :...
, Former PMO Communications Director; former MPP Garry GuzzoGarry GuzzoGarry Guzzo is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He was a Progressive Conservative member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1995 to 2003....
; John Mykytyshyn, founder of the Conservative Leadership Foundation; the Campaign Life CoalitionCampaign Life CoalitionThe Campaign Life Coalition is a Canadian conservative Christian pro-life group. It is based in Toronto, Ontario...
; former MPP Frank Sheehan. - Date campaign announced: March 29, 2009
- Date campaign officially launched: April 15, 2009
- Date officially registered: April 15, 2009
- Result: Second
- Website: frankklees.com
- Twitter: klees4leader
Randy Hillier
Randy HillierRandy Hillier (politician)
Randy Hillier is a rural activist and politician in Ontario, Canada. He was elected as a Progressive Conservative MPP for Lanark—Frontenac—Lennox and Addington during the 2007 Ontario general election...
, 50, was a rural activist and founder of the Ontario Landowners Association
Ontario Landowners Association
The Ontario Landowners Association is an organization which seeks to protect property rights in Ontario, Canada. The OLA was formed "...to preserve and protect the rights of property owners and to enshrine property rights within the Constitution of Canada and the laws of the Province of Ontario."...
. He was first elected MPP for Lanark—Frontenac—Lennox and Addington
Lanark—Frontenac—Lennox and Addington
Lanark—Frontenac—Lennox and Addington is a federal electoral district in Ontario, Canada that has been represented in the Canadian House of Commons since 2004....
in the 2007 provincial election
Ontario general election, 2007
The Ontario general election of 2007 was held on October 10, 2007 to elect members of the 39th Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, Canada. The Liberals under Dalton McGuinty won the election with a majority government, winning 71 out of a possible 107 seats with 42.2% of the popular...
. Hillier says that as Premier he would abolish the Ontario Human Rights Commission
Ontario Human Rights Commission
The Ontario Human Rights Commission was established in the Canadian province of Ontario on March 29, 1961 to administer the Ontario Human Rights Code...
, allow Ontario to elect its federal Senators and introduce a bill making membership in unions and professional associations voluntary.
- Policies: Abolition of the Ontario Human Rights CommissionOntario Human Rights CommissionThe Ontario Human Rights Commission was established in the Canadian province of Ontario on March 29, 1961 to administer the Ontario Human Rights Code...
, allow sale of beer and wine in corner stores, election of Ontario Senators, restoration of the spring bear hunt, ending the closed shopClosed shopA closed shop is a form of union security agreement under which the employer agrees to hire union members only, and employees must remain members of the union at all times in order to remain employed....
in unionized workplaces, reverse the pesticide ban, allowing health care professionals and other gov't paid individuals to refuse to provide services for religious or moral reasons (limiting abortions and same-sex marriages), abolition of the province's property taxProperty taxA property tax is an ad valorem levy on the value of property that the owner is required to pay. The tax is levied by the governing authority of the jurisdiction in which the property is located; it may be paid to a national government, a federated state or a municipality...
assessment agency (MPAC)., increasing the speed limit on Ontario highways, allowing de-amalgamation of municipalities, cracking down on native occupations. - MPPs who were supporters (0): none
- Federal MPs who were supporters:(2) Scott ReidScott Reid (politician)Scott Jeffrey Reid is a Canadian politician. He has served in the Canadian House of Commons since 2000, and currently represents the Ontario riding of Lanark—Frontenac—Lennox and Addington as a member of the Conservative Party....
, Cheryl GallantCheryl GallantCheryl Gallant, MP is a Conservative Canadian politician representing the riding of Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke.-Personal life:...
. - Other high profile supporters: Social conservative activist and former Family Coalition Party candidate John Pacheco.
- Date campaign announced: March 30, 2009
- Date campaign officially launched: March 30, 2009
- Date officially registered: April 2, 2009
- Result: Fourth
- Website: hillierforleader.com
- Twitter: randyhillier
Voting results
(sum of percentages in each riding)
Movement: Hillier eliminated and endorses Hudak; prior to balloting Hillier asked his supporters to make Hudak their second choice.
(sum of percentages in each riding)
Does not include votes that were spoiled because no second choice was indicated.
Movement: Elliott eliminated
(sum of percentages in each riding)
Does not include votes that were spoiled because no second or third choice was indicated.
Potential candidates who did not enter
- Ted ArnottTed ArnottTheodore Calvin Arnott is a Progressive Conservative member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario representing the district of Wellington—Halton Hills....
, 45, MPP for Wellington—Halton HillsWellington—Halton HillsWellington—Halton Hills is a federal electoral district in Ontario, Canada, that has been represented in the Canadian House of Commons since 2004.The Member of Parliament for Wellington-Halton Hills is Mike Chong of the Conservative Party of Canada....
. Told reporters "I'm not interested, nor prepared."
- John BairdJohn Baird (Canadian politician)John Russell Baird, PC, MP is a Canadian politician currently serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the cabinet of Prime Minister Stephen Harper....
, former provincial cabinet minister and MPP for NepeanNepean (electoral district)Nepean was a federal electoral district in Ontario, Canada, that was represented in the Canadian House of Commons from 1988 to 1997. It was also the name of an overlapping district represented in the Ontario legislature from 1987 to 1999....
, now federal Minister of Transport. Told reporters "I'm very happy with the job I have now."
- Michael ChongMichael ChongMichael David Chong, PC, MP is a Canadian politician. He has represented the riding of Wellington—Halton Hills in the Canadian House of Commons since 2004. He served in the cabinet of Prime Minister Stephen Harper as Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Sport, as well as the...
, 37, MP for Wellington—Halton HillsWellington—Halton HillsWellington—Halton Hills is a federal electoral district in Ontario, Canada, that has been represented in the Canadian House of Commons since 2004.The Member of Parliament for Wellington-Halton Hills is Mike Chong of the Conservative Party of Canada....
Told the press "entirely focused on the economic crisis at hand, and my job as MP for Wellington—Halton Hills."
- Tony ClementTony ClementTony Peter Clement, PC, MP is a Canadian federal politician, President of the Treasury Board, Minister for the Federal Economic Initiative for Northern Ontario and member of the Conservative Party of Canada....
, 48, Minister of Health under Mike HarrisMike HarrisMichael Deane "Mike" Harris was the 22nd Premier of Ontario from June 26, 1995 to April 15, 2002. He is most noted for the "Common Sense Revolution", his Progressive Conservative government's program of deficit reduction in combination with lower taxes and cuts to government...
and Ernie EvesErnie EvesErnest Lawrence "Ernie" Eves was the 23rd Premier of the province of Ontario, Canada, from April 15, 2002, to October 23, 2003.-Beginnings:...
, now federal Minister of Industry. Told reporters "I'm not contemplating that at this time", and that "I've got a pretty important job to do here in Ottawa."
- Garfield DunlopGarfield Dunlopthumb|Garfield Dunlop speaks at a Literacy conference in June 2009Garfield Dunlop is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He is a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, representing the riding of Simcoe North for the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario.Dunlop was educated at the...
, MPP for Simcoe NorthSimcoe NorthSimcoe North is a federal electoral district in Ontario, Canada. It was established as a federal riding in 1867. Its population was 119,400 in 2006.-Demographics:Ethnic groups: 92.3% White, 5.9% Native Canadian...
told Barrie Examiner "being the leader is a 10-year commitment. And I just don't have the contacts across the province." Endorsed Tim Hudak.
- Dean Del MastroDean Del MastroDean A. Del Mastro, is a Canadian politician. Since 2006, he has represented Peterborough in the Canadian House of Commons as a member of the Conservative Party...
, 38, is a social conservative and sits in the Canadian House of CommonsCanadian House of CommonsThe House of Commons of Canada is a component of the Parliament of Canada, along with the Sovereign and the Senate. The House of Commons is a democratically elected body, consisting of 308 members known as Members of Parliament...
as MP for PeterboroughPeterborough (electoral district)Peterborough is a federal electoral district in Ontario, Canada, that has been represented in the Canadian House of Commons since 1953.The riding's borders have differed slightly since its creation in 1953, but has always included most or all of Peterborough County and its county seat of...
.
- Julian FantinoJulian FantinoJulian Fantino is a retired police official and the elected Member of the Parliament of Canada for the riding of Vaughan following a November 29, 2010 by-election...
, 67, Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial PoliceOntario Provincial PoliceThe Ontario Provincial Police is the Provincial Police service for the province of Ontario, Canada.-Overview:The OPP is the the largest deployed police force in Ontario, and the second largest in Canada. The service is responsible for providing policing services throughout the province in areas...
since 2006.
- Diane FinleyDiane FinleyDiane Finley, PC, MP is a Canadian politician. She serves as Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development in the cabinet of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Of the 12 MPs in the Priorities and Planning Committee of cabinet , known as the inner cabinet, she is the only woman...
, 51, federal Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and MP for Haldimand—NorfolkHaldimand—NorfolkHaldimand—Norfolk is a federal electoral district in Ontario, Canada, that has been represented in the Canadian House of Commons from 1979 to 1997, and since 2004. Its Member of Parliament is Conservative Diane Finley...
. Reported in March to be considering a leadership run but did not enter the race.
- Jim FlahertyJim FlahertyJames Michael "Jim" Flaherty, PC, MP is Canada's Minister of Finance and he has also served as Ontario's Minister of Finance. From 1995 until 2005, he was the Member of Provincial Parliament for Whitby—Ajax, and a member of the Progressive Conservative Party caucus...
, husband of Christine Elliott and the former provincial Minister of Finance, now the federal Minister of Finance. Is supporting his wife's candidacy.
- Masood Khan is a real estate agent, former Mississauga mayoral candidate and editor of the oldest Urdu-language newspaper in Ontario. Told the Mississauga News on March 20 that he would contest the party leadership but did not register as a candidate.
- Lisa MacLeodLisa MacLeodLisa MacLeod is a Canadian politician, who was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario on March 30, 2006 and subsequently re-elected on October 10, 2007...
, 34, MPP for Nepean—CarletonNepean—CarletonNepean—Carleton is a federal electoral district in Ontario, Canada, that has been represented in the Canadian House of Commons from 1979 to 1988 and since 1997....
Announced that she is not running. Supports Tim Hudak.
- Norm MillerNorm MillerNorm Miller is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He is a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, representing the riding of Parry Sound—Muskoka for the Progressive Conservatives...
, 53, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka and son of former Premier Frank MillerFrank Miller (politician)Frank Stuart Miller, was a Canadian politician, who served as the 19th Premier of Ontario for four months in 1985.-Early life and political career:...
. Announced on March 27 that he would not be a candidate. Has endorsed Tim Hudak.
- John O'TooleJohn O'TooleJohn O'Toole is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He has been a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario since 1995, representing the riding of Durham for the Progressive Conservative Party....
, MPP for DurhamDurham (electoral district)Durham is a federal electoral district in Ontario, Canada, that has been represented in the Canadian House of Commons from 1904 to 1968, and since 1988....
since 1995. Told the Scugog Standard that he is "not considering running". Has endorsed Christine Elliot.
- Jerry OuelletteJerry OuelletteJerry J. Ouellette is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He has been a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario since 1995, representing the riding of Oshawa for the Progressive Conservative Party. Ouellette was Minister of Natural Resources in the government of Ernie Eves.Ouellette graduated...
, 50, MPP for OshawaOshawa (electoral district)Oshawa is a federal electoral district in Ontario, Canada, that has been represented in the Canadian House of Commons since 1968....
. He has endorsed Frank KleesFrank KleesFrank Klees is a Canadian politician and the Progressive Conservative member of Provincial Parliament for the riding of Newmarket—Aurora north of Toronto. He was a candidate in the 2009 Progressive Conservative leadership election placing second behind victor Tim Hudak.-Early life:Klees was born...
.
- Bob RuncimanBob RuncimanRobert William "Bob" Runciman is a veteran Canadian politician and former provincial Leader of the Opposition in the Ontario Legislature. First elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 1981, he held the seat continuously for Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario for the next 29 years...
, MPP for Leeds—GrenvilleLeeds—GrenvilleLeeds—Grenville is a federal electoral district in Ontario, Canada, that has been represented in the Canadian House of Commons since 1979.It consists of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.-History:...
and has been the interim Leader of the OppositionLeader of the Opposition (Ontario)The Leader of the Opposition in Ontario is usually leader of the largest party in the Ontario legislature which is not the government. The current official opposition is formed by the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party, and Tim Hudak is the current Leader of the Opposition.Ontario's first...
in Tory's absence since 2007. On March 6, Runciman announced that he was not interested in replacing Tory On March 20, Runciman was named interim leader of the Ontario PC Party
- Peter ShurmanPeter ShurmanPeter Shurman is a Progressive Conservative Member for Thornhill in the Ontario Legislature. Prior to his election, he was a radio talk show host on CFRB in Toronto.-Background:Shurman was born in Montreal in 1947...
, MPP for Thornhill ruled himself out. He has endorsed Frank KleesFrank KleesFrank Klees is a Canadian politician and the Progressive Conservative member of Provincial Parliament for the riding of Newmarket—Aurora north of Toronto. He was a candidate in the 2009 Progressive Conservative leadership election placing second behind victor Tim Hudak.-Early life:Klees was born...
for leader.
- Peter Van LoanPeter Van LoanPeter Van Loan, PC MP is a Canadian politician who is the Member of Parliament for the electoral district of York—Simcoe. He has been the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons since May 18, 2011, a role he previously held from 2007 to 2008.-Biography:Born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Van...
, 45, federal Public Safety Minister, MP for York—SimcoeYork—SimcoeYork—Simcoe is a federal electoral district in Ontario, Canada, that has been represented in the Canadian House of Commons from 1968 to 1979, from 1988 to 1997 and since 2004.It covers part of the region north of Toronto by Lake Simcoe....
and former president of both the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario and the Progressive Conservative Party of CanadaProgressive Conservative Party of CanadaThe Progressive Conservative Party of Canada was a Canadian political party with a centre-right stance on economic issues and, after the 1970s, a centrist stance on social issues....
. Tested the waters but decided a candidacy from outside Queen's Park would not be well received.
- Jim Wilson, MPP for Simcoe—GreySimcoe—GreySimcoe—Grey is a federal electoral district in Ontario, Canada, that has been represented in the Canadian House of Commons since 1997.It was created in 1996 from parts of Barrie—Simcoe—Bradford, Bruce—Grey, Simcoe Centre, Simcoe North, Wellington—Grey—Dufferin—Simcoe and York—Simcoe.It consists of...
former Environment minister under Ernie Eves. Expressed concerns about the cost in light of the problem past leadership candidates have had paying down their debts. Supports Tim Hudak.
- Elizabeth WitmerElizabeth WitmerElizabeth Witmer is a politician in Ontario, Canada. She has been a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario since 1990, originally representing Waterloo North and later Kitchener—Waterloo for the Progressive Conservative Party.Witmer moved with her family to Ontario at a young age...
, 62, WaterlooWaterloo, OntarioWaterloo is a city in Southern Ontario, Canada. It is the smallest of the three cities in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, and is adjacent to the city of Kitchener....
MPP. Served as Minister of Health Minister of the Environment, Minister of Education and Deputy Premier. Witmer was a candidate in the 2002 race that selected Eves. On March 20 she released a statement announcing her decision not to run.
- John YakabuskiJohn YakabuskiJohn Yakabuski is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He is a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, representing the eastern Ontario riding of Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke for the Progressive Conservative Party...
MPP for Renfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeRenfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke is a federal electoral district in Ontario, Canada, that has been represented in the Canadian House of Commons since 1979.It is represented by Cheryl Gallant of the Conservative Party....
. He told a local newspaper that, "After careful consideration, and much discussion with those closest to me, I have decided that I will not seek the position of leader of our party." Supports Tim Hudak.
Process
The Ontario Progressive Conservatives use a system similar to that used by the federal Conservative Party of CanadaConservative Party of Canada
The Conservative Party of Canada , is a political party in Canada which was formed by the merger of the Canadian Alliance and the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada in 2003. It is positioned on the right of the Canadian political spectrum...
in its leadership election
Conservative Party of Canada leadership election, 2004
The 2004 Conservative Party of Canada leadership election took place on March 20, 2004 in Toronto, Ontario, and resulted in the election of Stephen Harper as the first leader of the new Canadian Conservative Party...
. Each provincial riding association
Riding association
In Canadian politics a riding association , officially called an electoral district association is the basic unit of a political party, that is it is the party's organization at the level of the electoral district, or "riding"...
has up to 100 Electoral Votes that will be allocated among the candidates by proportional representation
Proportional representation
Proportional representation is a concept in voting systems used to elect an assembly or council. PR means that the number of seats won by a party or group of candidates is proportionate to the number of votes received. For example, under a PR voting system if 30% of voters support a particular...
according to the votes cast by party members within the riding. This is not a pure "one member one vote" system since each riding generally has equal weight. (Ridings with fewer than 100 voting party members are allocated one Electoral Vote per voting member; ridings with 100 or more voting party members are allocated 100 Electoral Votes.) Voting will occur on June 21 and 25 via a preferential ballot.
This system is designed to favour candidates who can win support across the province and win in a majority of ridings. This replicates what is necessary for a party to win a general election - though without the "first past the post" feature of elections under the Westminster system
Westminster System
The Westminster system is a democratic parliamentary system of government modelled after the politics of the United Kingdom. This term comes from the Palace of Westminster, the seat of the Parliament of the United Kingdom....
. The party will use a preferential ballot
Preferential voting
Preferential voting is a type of ballot structure used in several electoral systems in which voters rank candidates in order of relative preference. For example, the voter may select their first choice as '1', their second preference a '2', and so on...
on which voters rank their choices. If no candidate wins a majority of Electoral Votes, then the last-place candidate is eliminated, and his votes are redistributed according to second-choice rankings.
There was an entry fee of $50,000 and spending limit of $750,000 but no fundraising limit; twenty per cent of the money raised by candidates was shared with the party.
Other rules required each candidate to have a nominator and a seconder, as well as 100 members who all sign for the nomination, no more than 10 of these can live in the same riding. Candidates must also make a $25,000 deposit, that is refundable. Furthermore, 20% of all donations over $5,000, with the exception of the first $75,000 raised, must be given to the party; this money is then exempted from the spending limit. Candidates have until Thursday, June 18, at noon to drop out of the race. There will be a minimum of one all-candidates debate. Any candidate who failed to get 10% of the vote, along with the last-placed candidate, was dropped from balloting should no one candidate get a majority of votes on the first ballot. All ridings had one balloting location with the exception of the 12 largest ridings in the province.
Timeline
- October 10, 2007 - 2007 provincial electionOntario general election, 2007The Ontario general election of 2007 was held on October 10, 2007 to elect members of the 39th Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, Canada. The Liberals under Dalton McGuinty won the election with a majority government, winning 71 out of a possible 107 seats with 42.2% of the popular...
, Dalton McGunity's Liberals are re-elected by large margin . Tory fails in his attempt to be elected in Don Valley WestDon Valley WestDon Valley West is a federal electoral district in Ontario, Canada, that has been represented in the Canadian House of Commons since 1979. Its population in 2001 was 115,539....
against incumbent MPP Kathleen WynneKathleen WynneKathleen O. Wynne is a politician in Ontario, Canada. She is a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, representing the riding of Don Valley West for the Liberal Party.-Background:...
. - February 23, 2008 - John Tory faces a leadership review at the Annual General Meeting of the PC Party of Ontario in London and is supported by only 66.9% of delegates, virtually the same amount of support that led then federal Progressive Conservative leader Joe ClarkJoe ClarkCharles Joseph "Joe" Clark, is a Canadian statesman, businessman, and university professor, and former journalist and politician...
to call a leadership convention in 1983. Tory delays announcing his intentions for three hours before declaring that he will remain as leader. - June 29, 2008 - Tory vows to win a seat in the Ontario legislature by the end of 2008.
- September 12, 2008 - MPP Bill MurdochBill MurdochBill Murdoch is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He has been a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario since 1990, and represents the riding of Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound as a Progressive Conservative....
is suspended from caucus after calling for Tory's resignation. He would be expelled eight days later. - January 9, 2009 - MPP Laurie Scott of the safe Conservative seat of Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—BrockHaliburton—Kawartha Lakes—BrockHaliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock is a federal electoral district in Ontario, Canada, that has been represented in the Canadian House of Commons since 1968. Its population in 2001 was 111,343...
announces her resignation in order to allow Tory to attempt to win her seat in a by-election. - February 4, 2009 - Writ is dropped for a by-election in Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock to be held on March 5, 2009.
- March 5, 2009 - Tory loses his bid coming almost 1,000 votes behind Liberal Rick Johnson.
- March 6, 2009 - Tory announces he will resign as leader as soon as an interim leaderInterim leaderAn interim leader, in Canadian politics, is a party leader appointed by the party's legislative caucus or the party's executive to temporarily act as leader when a gap occurs between the resignation or death of a party leader and the election of a formal successor...
is chosen to replace him. - March 9, 2009 - Party executive meets to discuss the specifics of the leadership election process. Decides to hold a convention in June with a precise date and venue yet to be determined.
- March 20, 2009 - Bob RuncimanBob RuncimanRobert William "Bob" Runciman is a veteran Canadian politician and former provincial Leader of the Opposition in the Ontario Legislature. First elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 1981, he held the seat continuously for Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario for the next 29 years...
chosen interim leader by caucus. John Tory's resignation goes into effect. Masood Khan tells a Mississauga newspaper that he will be a candidate. - March 22, 2009 - The party executive sets June 27 as the date of the leadership convention and decides on the rules for the process.
- March 29, 2009 - Frank KleesFrank KleesFrank Klees is a Canadian politician and the Progressive Conservative member of Provincial Parliament for the riding of Newmarket—Aurora north of Toronto. He was a candidate in the 2009 Progressive Conservative leadership election placing second behind victor Tim Hudak.-Early life:Klees was born...
issues a statement announcing his candidacy. - March 30, 2009 - Randy HillierRandy HillierRandall George Hillier is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman.Hillier was drafted by the Boston Bruins in 1980 while playing for the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL. He served the Bruins during his first three NHL seasons, but was best known for his seven seasons with the Pittsburgh...
announces his candidacy for the leadership. - March 31, 2009 - Christine ElliottChristine ElliottChristine Janice Elliott is a Canadian politician, who was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in a byelection on March 30, 2006. Elliott was a candidate in the 2009 Progressive Conservative leadership election and came in third place behind winner Tim Hudak and runner-up Frank...
files her nomination papers. - April 2, 2008 - Tim HudakTim HudakTimothy Patrick "Tim" Hudak is a politician in Ontario, Canada, and the Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario . He also serves as member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario for the riding of Niagara West—Glanbrook.-Background:Tim Hudak was born in Fort Erie, Ontario...
launches his candidacy. - April 17, 2009, Noon - Deadline for candidates to enter the race.
- April 29, 2009, 5 pm - All candidates meeting at the Legion Hall, Fergus, OntarioFergus, OntarioFergus is the largest community in Centre Wellington, a township within Wellington County in Ontario, Canada. It lies on the Grand River about 25 km north of Guelph.-History:...
. Hosted by Ted ArnottTed ArnottTheodore Calvin Arnott is a Progressive Conservative member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario representing the district of Wellington—Halton Hills....
. - May 14, 2009 - Deadline to sign up new members of the party.
- May 20, 2009 - All candidates debate at the Canadian ClubCanadian ClubCanadian Club is a brand of whisky from Canada. Popularly known as C.C., Canadian Club began production in 1858. It was established by Hiram Walker, and was known as Walker’s Club Whiskey. The brand is now produced by Beam Inc..-History:...
in Toronto. - May 21, 2009 - First official debate, LondonLondon, OntarioLondon is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, situated along the Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. The city has a population of 352,395, and the metropolitan area has a population of 457,720, according to the 2006 Canadian census; the metro population in 2009 was estimated at 489,274. The city...
. - May 27, 2009 - Second official debate, Sudbury.
- June 4 - Third official debate, MarkhamMarkham, OntarioMarkham is a town in the Regional Municipality of York, located within the Greater Toronto Area of Southern Ontario, Canada. The population was 261,573 at the 2006 Canadian census...
. - June 10 - Fourth official debate, Ottawa.
- June 18 - Televised debate on TVOntarioTVOntarioTVOntario, often referred to only as TVO , is a publicly funded, educational English-language television station and media organization in the Canadian province of Ontario. It is operated by the Ontario Educational Communications Authority, a Crown corporation owned by the Government of Ontario...
's The Agenda with Steve Paikin. - June 21, 2009 - First voting date
- June 25, 2009 - Second voting date
- June 26, 2009 - Convention begins
- June 27, 2009 - Votes counted and new leader announced
- June 28, 2009 - Convention ends
See also
- Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario leadership conventions
- Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario leadership conventions, 1985
- Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario leadership election, 2002
- Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario leadership election, 2004