Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory, who failed to win a seat in the last Ontario provincial election, was to tell reporters this morning of his intention to seek a seat to get into the legislature. Many thought that when Stephen Harper let it be known that he was about to appoint 18 senators, including two from Ontario, one might be a sitting Ontario MPP — Bob Runciman was the most likely suspect — freeing up a spot for Tory to run.
True to his word, Tory did issue a statement about this issue this morning — saying he'll wait until the new year to figure it all out. In the meantime, the working theory here in Ottawa is that Harper will unveil his new senators on Monday around lunchtime.
From Tory today:
STATEMENT FROM JOHN TORY (Toronto, ON) – “As you know, I have been working to determine a course of action by the end of the year pursuant to which I could seek election to the Legislature. Details of that course of action will be finalized between now and the end of the year. Since I am out of the province until early in the New Year, and since the proposed resolution of this matter also involves others, we have fixed a specific date on which I will outline my plans and answer your questions. Accordingly I will hold a media availability on Friday, January 9. Precise details regarding timing will be confirmed that week. .”