Andrew Scheer says his first priority as the new Conservative leader is to unite the party.
“My job will be what aspects of these issues that different kinds of Conservatives feel very passionate about,” Scheer said.
The newly elected Tory leader is already taking aim at the Liberal government’s proposed carbon tax.
"The carbon tax is neither revenue-neutral nor does it have significant effect on reducing emissions,” Scheer said.
“I'm not just opposed to the carbon tax, I will defend the rights of provinces to fight back against the imposition of a Liberal carbon tax."
Scheer beat rival Maxime Bernier with just 50.95 per cent of the vote in a 13-ballot battle at the Conservative leadership convention Saturday.
Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall was pleased to see Scheer’s “dramatic” win.
“I know he will be a strong Conservative voice in Ottawa, and it was great to hear him state such a clear position on the Liberal carbon tax in his acceptance speech, saying he would repeal it,” Wall said in a statement Saturday.
“It's also pretty exciting to have the first Conservative leader from Saskatchewan since John Diefenbaker.”
University of Regina political scientist Jim Farney says Scheer and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have at least one thing in common, despite their political rivalry.
“Both Scheer and Trudeau are easy guys to underestimate,” Farney said. “Scheer because he's not Mr. Charisma and Trudeau because he's got so much charisma, you forget that he's actually pretty bright."
