By Canadian Press

Liberal MP ‘surprised’ social conservative felt ‘ambushed’ by questions on abortion

Jun 5, 2024 | 11:06 AM

OTTAWA — The Liberal MP who invited a Conservative backbencher onto his podcast says he’s surprised the Conservative described feeling “ambushed” by queries about his long-standing and well-known opposition to abortion.

Nate Erskine-Smith says he’s less surprised, however, to see Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre distance himself from Alberta MP Arnold Viersen’s comments.

During his appearance on Erskine-Smith’s podcast, Viersen discussed his social-conservative views on issues like abortion and gay marriage, which he said he would vote against if given the opportunity.

At the start of the episode, Erskine-Smith read a letter he says he received from Viersen after the interview, in which the MP said he felt “ambushed” by the questions.

His comments prompted Poilievre to issue a statement through his office, saying Viersen’s comments do not represent his or the party’s views on either abortion or gay marriage, which he says a future Conservative government would not touch.

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Poilievre met today with his caucus for the first time since the issue emerged, providing MPs with the chance to address the matter in person, behind closed doors.

Erskine-Smith told reporters today he was surprised by the sentiments in Viersen’s letter, given the amount of advocacy the MP has done for what he calls the “pre-born.”

Viersen’s office has not yet responded to a request for comment.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 5,2024.

The Canadian Press