CPC leadership hopeful campaigns in Belleville

Jean Charest says he’s the leader who can unite the party and the country.The former federal and provincial politician, who is one of six official candidates in the running to replace Erin O’Toole, was at Boston Pizza in Belleville Monday night for a meet and greet.

Charest told Quinte News this is the right time for him to reenter politics because the country is more divided than it has been in the last four decades.

“And that hangs on Mr. Trudeau. Mr. Trudeau’s the Prime Minister, he’s responsible for that. We can’t take for granted the future of Canada, we could never. I learned that the hard way, especially in Quebec politics. Out west, the sentiment is very, very sour about Canada, and it pains me to see that.”

He also said Canada cannot follow the divisive nature of American politics.

Conservative Party of Canada leadership candidate Jean Charest speaks to a crowd at Boston Pizza in Belleville, April 11, 2022. (Photo: Quinte News/Alana Cameron)

Charest called out leadership rival Pierre Poilievre for his support of the Freedom Convoy protests in Ottawa earlier this year.

“I find it very regrettable that Mr. Poilievre lent his credibility as a legislator to support the blockade. That’s wrong. That’s something that, frankly, is unacceptable, if you, if you’re making laws, that you tell people or encourage them to break laws.”

Charest told the crowd he believes in a market-based economy and policies that promote economic growth for families.

He added that as leader his party would address inflation by reducing spending and reducing income taxes to put money back in people’s pockets.

Conservative Party of Canada leadership candidate Jean Charest speaks to a crowd at Boston Pizza in Belleville, April 11, 2022. (Photo: Quinte News/Alana Cameron)