Jan 12, 2009
Regional News
January 09, 2009 05:17 PM
BY KEELY GRASSER (The Liberal)
John Tory's move to get a seat at Queen's Park comes at the expense of a strong, female MPP.
That's according to Vaughan MPP Greg Sorbara.
"One is somewhat disappointed to see one of the really good female legislators give up a seat, but that's a decision that will rest with the Conservative party," Mr. Sorbara said.
Mr. Tory, leader of the Progressive Conservative party, announced on Friday that Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock will step aside to let him run in a byelection.
The byelection will mark a chance for Mr. Tory to regain a spot in the legislature after running in Toronto's Don Valley West riding in the 2007 election.
Education Minister Kathleen Wynne won the seat after a campaign where Mr. Tory's pledge to fund faith-based schools continually dogged him.
Mr. Tory has reportedly spent 15 months trying to get one of his MPPs to step aside for him to seek a seat.
"Obviously, for Mr. Tory, it's the next step in a long and rather humiliating process," Mr. Sorbara said.
Markham-Unionville MPP Michael Chan welcomed Mr. Tory's decision to "finally" seek a seat in the legislature.
"Ontarians are puzzled as to why it has taken so long," he said in an e-mailed statement, adding he believes whether or not Mr. Tory is in the house, the Conservatives stand "for the same failed Harris policies of the past".
Thornhill MPP Peter Shurman said he is "delighted" Mr. Tory may have found a way to get a seat in the legislature.
"I've been quoted as saying John Tory would run when an appropriate riding is found and at an appropriate time. Through the good grace of my colleague and friend Laurie Scott, the appropriate riding and time have been found," Mr. Shurman, a Progressive Conservative, said.
Having their party leader in the House will make the Conservatives a much stronger caucus during a time when "there are huge problems in Ontario to deal with", he said.
"John has been a major presence from the get-go. He's a terrific guy and having him sit there in the front row will be a huge plus for us, as it would for any party."
But Mr. Sorbara cautioned not to be presumptive about the result of the byelection.
He admitted the longtime Conservative stronghold will "be a difficult riding for us, as Liberals", but added the Grits ran a strong candidate - Rick Johnson - there in 2007.
A decision on a Liberal candidate, Mr. Sorbara said, has not been made and will be decided by the local riding association.
Mr. Sorbara said he understands Premier Dalton McGuinty won't wait long to call the byelection.
Newmarket-Aurora MPP Frank Klees couldn't be reached for comment Friday.