The Conservatives' new interim leader is a strong supporter of travel advisors

The Conservative Party of Canada has named MP Candice Bergen as interim leader following a secret caucus vote late Wednesday evening (Feb. 2) that ousted leader Erin O’Toole.

Bergen was deputy leader of the Conservatives under O’Toole and has represented the riding of Portage-Lisgar in Manitoba since 2008 and was Opposition House leader from 2016 to 2020.

In travel trade circles, however, Bergen is known for her steady support for independent travel advisors.

Standing up for agents  

This was clear on Dec. 10, 2020, when Bergen, after meeting with the Association of Canadian Independent Travel Advisors (ACITA) over Zoom,  stood up for agents in the House of Commons and made a case for commission protections while the federal government, at the time, was preparing a financial aid package for airlines.

READ MORE: “Unfair & unjust”: MP Bergen stands up for agents in the House

In her speech during question period, Bergen referenced her virtual meeting with ACITA, which, since June 2020, has been meeting with politicians to educate them about the unique needs of independent travel advisors during the pandemic.

“As I looked at my screen, I saw the beautiful faces of 20 mostly-female entrepreneurs who have worked hard, served their communities and their clients, but are now suffering and are very worried because of the impacts of COVID,” MP Bergen told the House that day.

“They shared heart-breaking stories of having their commissions, already paid to them prior to COVID, now being clawed back by some in the airline industry. In some cases, commission was taken directly from their bank accounts without their consent.”

“This is unfair and unjust.”

Bergen pushed the Liberals to include independent travel advisors in any bailout packages they were planning for Canada’s airlines.

“These women run small businesses across Canada, which we know is the backbone of our economy, but they also represent the spirit of a Canadian woman – hard-working, tenacious and providing for their families by serving others,” Bergen said at the time.

“These women deserve more than being left behind to flail in the wind. Let’s help them out.”

Bergen’s speech, notably, sparked an eruption of applause in parliament that day.

“She has spoken up on our behalf"

As interim leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, Bergen’s first order of business will likely focus on uniting the party, which has been plagued with infighting as of late.

“I want to express my gratitude and respect to [O’Toole] for his leadership and the sacrifices he’s made for our party and caucus,” Bergen tweeted on Wednesday. “Thanks also to Rebecca and the O’Toole family for their dedication and support. Erin is an asset and will continue to be a valued member of our team.”

Following the 73-45 vote against him, O’Toole, in a video posted to Twitter, pledged “support and unwavering loyalty to our next leader, and I urge everyone in our party to come together and do the same.”

O’Toole, meanwhile, will remain as MP for Durham.

The Travel Agent Next Door’s Judith Coates, an ACITA co-founder, called Bergen a “strong choice” for interim leader of the Conservatives.

“She has spoken up on our behalf, asking the government to be accountable for their lack of support for independent travel advisors,” Coates told PAX on Thursday (Feb. 3). “With great oratory skills and a strong presence, she’ll be able to represent the Conservative party well while they determine the next Opposition Leader.”

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