OTTAWA—Conservative leadership hopeful Andrew Scheer is accusing possible candidate Kevin O'Leary of trying to avoid an upcoming all-French debate.
Scheer released a statement on Jan. 3 urging the celebrity businessman and reality TV host to formalize his candidacy and participate in the Quebec City event on Jan. 17.
“If Kevin wants to run, it’s time to fish or cut bait,” Scheer said. “It is not acceptable to stall or delay in order to avoid the French-language debate.”
He says it’s obvious O'Leary wants to join the race and that he has an obligation to all French-speaking Conservatives to take part in the debate.
Some Conservatives believe it is essential that Stephen Harper’s replacement has the ability to speak French. O'Leary doesn’t speak the language and has stated he doesn’t need to in order to communicate with Quebecers.
