Emerson to co-chair Tory election campaign
PM confirms race to be launched Sunday morning
Last Updated: Friday, September 5, 2008 | 6:25 PM ET
CBC News
David Emerson crossed the floor to join the Tories in 2006, less than a month after the election that led to the first Conservative government since 1993. (Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press) Liberal-turned-Tory David Emerson says he will co-chair the Conservatives' national campaign in the looming election.
"I was never a Liberal," he told CBC News on Friday, during an interview in which he explained why he chose not to run again in the riding of Vancouver-Kingsway.
An election campaign will be launched Sunday, when Prime Minister Stephen Harper meets with Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean to ask her to dissolve the government. Harper confirmed Friday afternoon he will meet with Jean shortly after 8 a.m. on Sunday.
Canadians are expected to go to the polls Oct. 14.
Emerson was twice elected as a Liberal before joining the Conservatives just after the 2006 election.
He said he has no regrets about accepting Harper's invitation to join the ruling party.
"I felt I could best get done what I got into public life to do by joining his cabinet and I don't regret it a bit. I think I've never changed a thing that I had committed to my constituents that I would pursue in government."
The foreign affairs minister said the national and international travelling has been a "grind," but as campaign co-chair he can still work for a Conservative victory.
From businessman to 'accidental politician'
Emerson, the former CEO of forest products company Canfor Corp., said he was an "accidental politician," persuaded to run by then-Liberal Leader Paul Martin.
"I got into public life to make a difference," he said, adding that after Martin left, Harper offered him the chance to continue.
While Vancouver-Kingsway is known as a Liberal-NDP riding, Emerson said: "I think I had a good shot at winning."
Pundits have suggested that Emerson chose not to run again because he feared losing, but he has repeatedly said personal issues — his family and the travelling — drove his decision.
The Conservatives announced Thursday that Emerson, Fisheries Minister Loyola Hearn and Human Resources Minister Monte Solberg won't seek re-election.
