Regina MP Andrew Scheer running for Conservative leadership

After months of speculation Saskatchewan MP Andrew Scheer has officially declared his intention to enter the race to become the next leader of the Conservative Party of Canada.

Sheer filed his papers Wednesday morning and said the reason he has entered his name is simple.

“I can not let Justin Trudeau do to my children what his father did to my generation,” Scheer told a crowd to applause at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa.

The MP for Regina-Qu’Appelle spent the summer traveling across the country holding a series of meetings to determine whether he had enough support to run.

As a staunch conservative, Sheer said he won’t radically change his views in order to appeal to members, but he does believe he can offer the party a new way forward.

“I believe in the free market and low taxes. I believe in strong families and a justice system that puts the rights of victims first,” Scheer said.

Scheer did some of his announcement in French.

“With a new leadership style, with an emphasis on offering a positive vision for the future of our country, we can connect with a broader audience and keep the faith with those who have supported us over the years.”

Sheer has been a Regina and area MP since 2004.

Michael Chong is the only candidate who has declared, registered and paid the fee to run in the race.

Five others, including Scheer, have registered and four others are candidates who have simply declared their intentions.

Sheer has been a Regina and area MP since 2004.