From left, Randy Hoback, Estelle Hjertaas, Harmony Johnson-Harder, Kelly Day and Brian Littlepine, were the candidates for Prince Albert during the last election. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Federal politics

P.A. candidates sound off on Scheer stepping down

Dec 16, 2019 | 4:09 PM

Some local candidates from the most recent federal election are speaking to Andrew Scheer’s surprise announcement last Thursday to step down as party leader.

At the same time, his party became embroiled in controversy after it came to light party donations were being used to pay for part of the private school tuition fees for Scheer’s children.

The issue has set off turmoil in the party as executive director Dustin Van Vugt said the expenses were approved by the party. However, anonymous sources have told The Canadian Press the party’s fundraising committee was not aware of this being allowed. The employment status of Van Vugt is currently up in the air as reports recently circulated about his termination.

Liberal Party candidate in P.A., Estelle Hjertaas said she wished Scheer well going forward. The Prince Albert based lawyer said she appreciates Scheer took time to talk with his family and consult with party members before making the decision.

She added the issue of the Conservative Party using donor money to pay for private school tuition for the leader’s kids is something which needs to be addressed internally.

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“It was approved by the party, but I don’t think that most donors would see that as appropriate use of their funds,” she said.

Hjertaas said she would not be happy if her party was using donations to cover such expenses.

Former federal NDP candidate Harmony Johnson-Harder said she could empathize with the issues Scheer spoke about when announcing his decision in the House of Commons last week, specifically, when he talked about the strain on his family.

“The election can take a toll on your family, especially if you have young children, so I can completely relate to that, going through an election with my family and the sacrifices that they had to make,” she said.

Johnson-Harder said during the election, the Conservative platform did not address some serious issues like climate change or reconciliation, which voters want tackled.

Wading into the controversy involving party funds being used to pay for private school tuition, Johnson-Harder said it shows a lack of due diligence within their own processes.

“As a whole society we expect organizations to practice financial due diligence,” she said.

paNOW made several requests for comment from Conservative MP for Prince Albert Randy Hoback but he did not respond in time for the deadline for this article.

—With files from The Canadian Press.

—

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn