RUNCIMAN NAMED LEADER OF OFFICIAL OPPOSITION
TORONTO - Bob Runciman, MPP
for Leeds-Grenville, was named Leader of the
Official Opposition by the Progressive Conservative
Caucus today. Runciman replaces Ernie Eves and
will hold the post until new party leader John
Tory is elected to the Ontario Legislature.
“I’m honoured to serve the party
in this important position,” said Runciman.
“Not many politicians get an opportunity
to serve as Leader of the Official Opposition
and I am grateful for the confidence shown in
me by Mr. Tory and members of the PC Caucus.”
Until Tory is elected, Runciman will be the
leader of the PC Caucus with all the responsibilities
associated with the position.
“I will be working in close consultation
with Mr. Tory,” said Runciman.
Tory is considering all his options before
announcing when and where he will run for a
seat in the Legislature.
“He will run when it’s appropriate,”
said Runciman.
Since being elected in 1981, Runciman has served
in all the major roles in Opposition _ party
whip, caucus leader and house leader and served
in a number of cabinet positions when the Progressive
Conservatives were in power. Cabinet portfolios
include Solicitor General, later Solicitor General
and Minister of Corrections and then Minister
of Public Safety and Corrections; Consumer and
Business Relations; Economic Development and
Trade; and Government Services. He has also
served as chairman of a number of standing committees.
Runciman said he is leading a caucus of very
talented people _ members who are united and
committed in their role of holding the McGuinty
Government accountable in the coming months.
“It’s essential we have an effective
Opposition and we will be taking a very focussed
approach in the Legislature and in committee
meetings,” said Runciman. “This
government has broken numerous significant promises
and it must be held responsible for its actions.”
Runciman said new party leader John Tory has
met privately with a number of caucus members
including leadership contenders Jim Flaherty
and Frank Klees. Strategy for the coming session
that starts October 12 was discussed at today’s
Caucus meeting.
“We are a unified caucus committed to
our role in opposition,” said Runciman,
adding he believes the McGuinty Government’s
term in office will end in three years with
a new election.
Media Contact:
Don Swayne
Constituency Executive Assistant
(613) 342-9522
