Sarnia-Lambton MP Marilyn Gladu is one step closer to being on the ballot to become the next Conservative leader.
But she’s not happy the party is pushing ahead with the race as Canadians grapple with the affects of the novel coronavirus.
As public health leaders tighten rules around public gatherings, Gladu says her opportunities to meet potential delegates has disappeared and raise another $150,000 for the party’s entry fee into the race.
Leadership candidates Peter McKay and Erin O’Toole have already met the threshold required for the end of March – 2,000 signatures on their nomination papers. Gladu was frustratingly close early this week after scrutineers disallowed 600 signatures. So she, and other candidates asked the party to delay the leadership race as opportunities for the candidates to reach the party’s deadlines disappeared with the pandemic. It refused.
“A COVID-19 pandemic is not an every day event. The party would be more in tune with the rest of Canada if they postponed the event.”
Gladu received word late Tuesday she met the 2,000 signature goal, but she says raising another $150,000 now, will be tough. “This is not the way I imagined it would be.”