Witmer doesn't want to lead Ontario's PC Party

Kitchener-Waterloo MPP Elizabeth Witmer
News Release

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Toronto - Elizabeth Witmer, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener-Waterloo, Deputy Leader of the Official Opposition and House Leader made the following statement today:

"After careful consideration and consultation, I have decided not to seek the leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario."

"Despite widespread support and encouragement from many citizens, colleagues, and stakeholder groups from across the province, I have decided to focus my immediate efforts on the important opposition role of holding the McGuinty Liberals at Queen's Park accountable to the people in our province."

"We, in Ontario, are confronting extraordinary challenges in our economy and our health care system. As we work to overcome these challenges in the coming months and years, we will need experienced and dedicated leadership and I will work to do my part now and after the 2011 election."

"I look forward to a constructive and positive debate as our party goes through the important process of choosing our next leader and reaches out beyond our immediate grasp and harnesses the potential that exists across the province."

"My priority is to my community and I will continue to devote my best efforts in the service of my constituents in Kitchener-Waterloo."