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Red Deer MPs congratulate Scheer on winning Conservative party leadership

May 29, 2017 | 4:27 PM

Both of Red Deer’s Conservative MPs say they are excited to get to work with their party’s newly-elected leader.

Saskatchewan MP Andrew Scheer surprised many when he edged out Maxime Bernier following 13 rounds of voting at Saturday’s leadership convention in Toronto.

Earl Dreeshen, Red Deer – Mountain View MP released a statement on Monday to offer his congratulations to Scheer.

“I would like to congratulate Andrew, and all of the other leadership candidates, on a hard fought, meaningful leadership race,” Dreeshen said. “I am confident that our party will unite under his leadership as we move toward our goal to continue earning the trust of Canadians and forming government in the next election.”

Dreeshen did not publicly announce who he was supporting in the leadership race. He feels Scheer’s previous experience as Speaker of the House of Commons leaves him well-prepared to lead the Conservatives, and that his priorities align with those of the party.

“Andrew has put a focus on eliminating job killing policies like the carbon tax, while standing up for families across the country. I look forward to working, along with my colleagues, under the leadership of our new leader and the next Prime Minister of Canada, Andrew Scheer.”

Red Deer – Lacombe MP Blaine Calkins posted a Facebook statement over the weekend offering his well wishes to Scheer.

“Congratulations to my friend and colleague Andrew Scheer, the new leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. I am very excited to work with you to strengthen our party as we prepare to beat Trudeau in 2019,” said Calkins, who supported Erin O’Toole’s leadership bid.

“I would also like to thank all of my colleagues who ran for leadership. It is very encouraging to see the depth of passion you have for our party, this will only make us stronger moving forward.”

Calkins also thanked Rona Ambrose for her “strong leadership during her time as interim leader.”