Andrew Scheer

Andrew Scheer
Name	Andrew Scheer
Birth date	1979-11-20
Birth place	Ottawa
Nationality	Canadian
Occupation	Politician
Party	Conservative Party of Canada
Offices	Leader of the Opposition (2017–2020); Speaker of the House of Commons (2011–2015); Member of Parliament for Regina—Qu'Appelle (2004–2019)

Andrew Scheer is a Canadian politician who served as Leader of the Opposition and leader of the Conservative Party of Canada from 2017 to 2020. He previously served as Speaker of the House of Commons during the 41st Canadian Parliament and represented Regina—Qu'Appelle in the House of Commons of Canada for multiple terms. Scheer has been associated with debates on fiscal policy, social policy, and parliamentary procedure and has interacted with figures such as Justin Trudeau, Stephen Harper, and Jagmeet Singh.

Early life and education

Scheer was born in Ottawa and raised in Saskatchewan, attending schools in Maidstone, Saskatchewan and Regina, Saskatchewan. He completed secondary education in Regina before studying at McGill University and later at University of Ottawa, where he earned a degree in political science and law-related studies. During his youth he participated in organizations linked to Canadian politics, volunteer groups in Saskatchewan, and youth wings connected to the Conservative movement in Canada and associated provincial parties such as the Saskatchewan Party.

Early political career

Scheer first entered federal politics as a candidate in the 2004 Canadian federal election and won the seat for Regina—Qu'Appelle, defeating opponents from the Liberal Party of Canada, the New Democratic Party, and the Bloc Québécois. As a backbench MP he served on committees linked to Finance, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, and cross-party panels that engaged with ministers from Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and portfolios held by figures such as Jim Flaherty and John Baird. He gained attention for questions directed at cabinet ministers during sessions involving leaders like Paul Martin and later worked closely with caucus colleagues including Peter MacKay and Rona Ambrose.

Speaker of the House of Commons

In 2011 Scheer was elected Speaker of the House during the 41st Parliament, presiding over proceedings with responsibilities set by the Standing Orders of the House of Commons and interacting with clerks from the Parliament of Canada. His tenure involved rulings on points of order, interpretations of precedents dating to Speakers such as John Bercow (United Kingdom) for comparative practice, and management of high-profile debates involving the Harper ministry and opposition leaders like Michael Ignatieff and Thomas Mulcair. He also represented the House at state functions, liaised with the Governor General of Canada and worked within the context of parliamentary norms influenced by Westminster tradition and practices from legislatures such as the House of Commons of the United Kingdom and the Australian House of Representatives.

Leader of the Conservative Party

Scheer won leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada in 2017, succeeding interim leaders who followed the 2015 defeat of the Conservative Party under Stephen Harper. As leader he led the party through the 2019 Canadian federal election, contesting platforms and debates against Justin Trudeau of the Liberal Party of Canada and engaging with leaders such as Elizabeth May of the Green Party of Canada and Andrea Horwath—noting that party leaders in provincial arenas like Doug Ford and Jason Kenney offered contrasting approaches to policy. His leadership involved strategy with campaign directors, national councils, and policy conventions similar to those of parties like the Democratic Party (United States) and Conservative Party (UK) in electoral organization. He resigned as leader in 2020 after the Conservative Party's leadership review and was succeeded by Erin O’Toole.

Political positions and policy proposals

Scheer emphasized fiscal restraint with proposals echoing themes from Paul Martin-era fiscal policy debates and elements of supply-side economics championed by some Conservative thinkers. He advanced tax proposals and commitments to balance federal budgets comparable to positions adopted by leaders such as Stephen Harper and engaged with debates on trade agreements including the North American Free Trade Agreement negotiations and their successor, the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. On social policy he adopted positions influenced by conservative social policy advocates and faith-based groups, intersecting with discussions involving organizations like Focus on the Family, faith leaders, and social conservatives in Canada. Scheer's platform addressed immigration and asylum policy in the context of trends discussed by scholars referencing cases like the European migrant crisis, and he proposed changes to welfare and employment programs debated alongside provincial premiers such as Scott Moe and Doug Ford.

Controversies and criticisms

Scheer faced controversies over inconsistencies between public statements and campaign materials, drawing criticism from media outlets such as CBC Television, The Globe and Mail, and National Post. His views on social issues prompted scrutiny from advocates associated with organizations like the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and civil liberties groups including the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. Questions arose about membership in religious organizations and transparency after reporting by national newspapers and commentary from political opponents such as Jagmeet Singh and commentators from CTV News and Global News. His leadership also encountered internal party dissent and was analyzed in political science literature comparing leadership dynamics to past transitions in the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada and leadership contests involving figures like Joe Clark.

Personal life and post-leadership activities

Scheer is married and has children; his family life has been referenced in profiles in outlets such as Maclean's and The Walrus. After stepping down as leader he remained active in public life through speaking engagements, contributions to policy forums alongside think tanks like the Fraser Institute and participation in events attended by former leaders including Brian Mulroney and international conservatives. He has engaged with civic groups in Regina and continued to influence conversations within the Conservative Party of Canada and among provincial leaders such as Scott Moe and Jason Kenney.

Category:Members of the House of Commons of Canada Category:Canadian politicians