O\u0027Toole has tended to be a moderate voice in the party. His voting record shows him as socially progressive and in line with mainstream conservatism on other issues
But in this leadership race, O’Toole declared himself the “True Blue” candidate, an attempt to appeal to the grassroots, more right-wing Conservative party base — and in contrast with Peter MacKay, who O’Toole’s campaign frequently described as a “Red Tory” and “Liberal lite.” O’Toole launched his campaign in Calgary, a deliberate attempt to attract Western Canada support.
O’Toole also clearly targeted the social conservative vote, an influential voting bloc in leadership races. He made it clear that he would always allow a free vote on matters of conscience such as abortion, including for his cabinet ministers. However, O’Toole was upfront in saying he’s still personally pro-choice and supports same-sex marriage.Article content continued
Prior to entering politics, O’Toole was an officer in the Canadian air force, having graduated from the Royal Military College in 1995. He then earned a law degree from Dalhousie University, graduating in 2003, and worked as a corporate lawyer in Toronto before running for office in 2012. During the leadership race, O’Toole has championed the fact he’s held his Greater Toronto Area seat through the past two general elections. He’s said the party must choose a leader who can win in the suburbs, which was key to Conservative election victories prior to 2015.
“We need a principled leader who will unite our party by respecting all conservatives,” O’Toole said during the leadership debate. “A leader who can show more urban and suburban Canadians that their values of liberty, family and equality are at the core of our party. That’s what I’ve done to win my suburban Toronto seat three times.”
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