Statement/Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 18, 2016 OTTAWA, ON - The Honourable Peter Kent, P.C. Member of Parliament for Thornhill today released the following statement: “Michael Chong’s decision to stand for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada widens the spectrum of worthy candidates in more than numerical terms.” “Michael has served with distinction since he was first elected to Parliament to represent the Ontario riding of Wellington- Halton Hills in 2004.” “He is a fiercely committed Conservative but equally passionate in his principled participation in the legislative process.” “As President of the Queen’s Privy Council, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Sport, Michael demonstrated cool, competent, and collegial management skills. He resigned from Cabinet on a matter of principle and in subsequent years took principled positions in asking for reinstatement of the long-form census, advocating for greater environmental protection and working to achieve greater power in local democracy.” “He successfully navigated the Reform Act, his private member’s bill, through its various legislative stages to proclamation as law. Our Conservative Caucus used the Reform Act’s provisions in the selection of our interim leader and House officers after the 2015 election. If one believes that too much power resides in the Prime Minister’s Office, Michael is the clear candidate to support.” “A child of immigrants, Michael possesses the leadership skills, the smarts and the temperament to lead our party back to government.” “A man of principle and ideas, Michael and his family are a multi-ethnic Canadian success story. He represents the Conservative Party of tomorrow, a party with broad-based appeal, an inclusive party, a party that will inspire Canadians to return a solid Conservative majority to Parliament.” “I'm supporting Michael's candidacy and will work to convince Parliamentary colleagues and Conservatives across the country to join the campaign to make him Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition and the next Prime Minister of Canada” -30- Contacts: Michael Schurter Parliamentary Office of Hon. Peter Kent P.C., M.P. 613-992-0253 [email protected] .