Article content continued

“It’s a new beginning for this campaign.”



Bernier said Clement, as a former provincial and federal health minister, knows government needs to end Ottawa’s “intrusion” into health care, which is provincial jurisdiction.



“We need to innovate and experiment with private service delivery to solve the wait-time problem,” Bernier said, noting Clement can help him convince Conservatives and all Canadians that it’s the right solution.



Clement said he’s supporting Bernier because their ideas align, including on the need for more personal freedom, lower and flatter taxes, and the importance of security for the country.



As well, he said Bernier can keep the Conservative party focused and unified across the country, and can defeat Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the 2019 election. Bernier is a “Quebecer with a truly national reach,” Clement told reporters.



“Max Bernier has the ideas, the experience and the ability not only to lead our party but to lead our country as well,” he told reporters. “He has a clarity that will motivate our Conservative base, but more importantly grow it everywhere.”



Clement dropped out of the race in mid-October after collecting only $20,080 from 26 contributors for the period ending Sept. 30, according to Elections Canada data.



With Clement’s endorsement, Bernier now has seven Conservative caucus members (four MPs and three senators) backing him.



Leadership candidate Andrew Scheer leads the way in endorsements, with the support of at least two dozen Conservative caucus members, including 19 MPs and five senators.

• Email: jfekete@postmedia.com | Twitter: jasonfekete