Constituents, Prairie Conservatives happy to see Portage MP Candice Bergen take over as interim leader

As Manitoba MP Candice Bergen takes over as interim leader of the federal Conservative party, some Prairie Conservatives say they hope the seasoned politician can bring stability and unity to the party as it prepares for another leadership race. 

Bergen replaces Erin O'Toole, who was ousted as leader by his caucus in a vote Wednesday.

She has served as MP for the south-central Manitoba riding of Portage–Lisgar since 2008, and has been among the most prominent Conservative voices in Parliament.

On Thursday, some constituents in Portage la Prairie, which is part of Bergen's riding, said they were happy to see their MP take the helm of the federal party.

"She's the best thing that's ever happened to the Conservative party. She speaks her mind. She says what's right, what's wrong," said Mike Yewchyn.

"She's going to call out all the corruption. She's going to nail that Justin Trudeau to the wall."

Diane Coull said Bergen is a well-appreciated member of the Portage community.

"I was quite surprised when I heard it. She's been our MP in this area for a lot of years and I think it's exciting," Coull said.

The Portage MP takes over from O'Toole, who was criticized by some party members for running as a "true blue" Conservative in the party's leadership race, only to shift the party to the centre when in the top job.

Bergen, by contrast, has received her share of criticism for her socially conservative stances. She voted against a bill to outlaw conversion therapy, has fought to end the long-gun registry, and this week voiced her support for a cross-country convoy opposing COVID-19 rules. 

She also took flak this week for likening the displaying of Nazi flags in the streets during the convoy's protests in Ottawa to the beheading of a statue of Queen Victoria at the Manitoba legislature on Canada Day.

The statue was toppled and its head later removed following an Every Child Matters walk to remember the thousands of Indigenous children who died at residential schools the government forced them to attend.

But Erika Barootes, the former president of Alberta's United Conservative Party, says Bergen's strong stances might win supporters. 

"You know where she sits, regardless of if you agree or disagree with some of her positions," Barootes said.