New PC leader visits North Bay

He may not have a seat in the Ontario Legislature, but Patrick Brown still plans to build a strong Progressive Conservative Party in Ontario.

Brown was voted as the new leader of the PC’s on May 9th, and he spoke to constituents in North Bay last Friday.

Earlier in the day he toured the Ring Of Fire (pictured) with MPP Vic Fedeli.

Brown was previously the MP for Barrie, but says he left his seat in the House of Commons over his frustration with the last provincial election.

He told the crowd of about 100 people in North Bay, that his philosophy is to vote and advocate on policies in what he feels are the best interests for the people of Ontario.

Brown ran against Fedeli in the PC leadership race, before Fedeli dropped out and threw his support behind Christine Elliot.  

He says there is no animosity between them. He says he will be relying on Fedeli as the Finance Critic – and says he’s excited to work with him.

Brown says Fedeli is a star for the party and northern Ontario.

He says his priority right now is building the party’s organization on a membership level and a volunteer level.

Brown says he plans to enter the legislature, although that is not an immediate priority.

Meantime,  he adds he has some very strong ties to North Bay.  Brown‘s grandparents lived here and his father grew up in the Gateway City.

Brown says anyplace where your family has roots you will feel a certain attachment, although he adds “I don’t feel attached enough to North Bay to cheer for them (the Battalion) in a game against the Barrie Colts.”

Written by: matthew.sookram@northbayradio.rogers.com