Poilievre appoints Andrew Scheer Opposition House Leader


OTTAWA-

Pierre Poilievre is tapping one of his predecessors to become his chief lieutenant in the House of Commons, as the new Tory leader prepares his party for the return of Parliament next week.

Former party leader Andrew Scheer will serve as Leader of the Opposition in the House, one of nine key appointments announced today as Poilievre unveiled his new leadership team.

Scheer took over as Conservative leader from former Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2017, but stepped down two years later after the party came second in the 2019 federal election.

In addition to Scheer, Poilievre’s leadership team is led by longtime Tory MP Tim Uppal and his first-term counterpart Melissa Lantsman, who will serve as deputy leaders.

Other notable additions include Kerry-Lynne Findlay as party whip and Pierre Paul-Hus, who takes over as Quebec lieutenant.

Poilievre, who won a resounding first-round victory to become leader of the Tories over the weekend, announced the new team a week before the House of Commons resumes normal sittings after the summer recess.


This report from The Canadian Press was first published on September 13, 2022.