The Conservative Party of Canada has set a record for memberships in a leadership race with 269,469 members. But Lewis, the first Black woman to run for leadership of the party, said it was just that, symbolism. However Mr Lewis, who was involved in a row with Boris Johnson over comments he made about women wearing burkas, insists he "must and will remain studiously neutral in this contest". Visible minorities make up 13 per cent of the population in O'Toole's riding, and immigrants count for just 15 per cent. “Social conservative issues are policy that affect family, seniors and children and we can't be afraid to address values,” Sloan said. Conservative Party of Canada leadership candidate Leslyn Lewis speaks during the English debate in Toronto on Thursday, June 18, 2020. , THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Tijana Martin . Earlier this year, Anna Soubry, a former Tory minister who quit the party over Brexit, claimed that Conservative associations had been "infiltrated" by former activists of Ukip, the party previously led by Nigel Farage. By contrast, the ridings the Tories most covet to form a majority are made up by 50 to 70 per cent visible minorities. Earlier this month, Mr Farage predicted that the number of paid-up supporters of his new Brexit Party will outstrip the Conservatives’ members, believing the Tories' figure to be 124,000. "I've said, whenever we see an instance of racism, zero tolerance.". While Black and Indigenous people are over-represented in federal custody compared to their share of the population, a 2017 study by the Justice Department also concluded that between 2007 and 2017, they were also much more likely to be in prison for an offence that had a mandatory minimum penalty. Turn Your Old Computer To Like New Again - Blazing Fast, Diagnose Car Problems Using Your Smartphone And This Simple Device. Tens of thousands of new members have joined the Conservatives in the last year, swelling the electorate that will choose Theresa May's successor. "We have also grown our youth membership by 64%, and established 100 Young Conservative branches in the past year.". Stephanie Levitz, The Canadian Press. His party's figures now exceed 100,000. When asked whether he believes systemic racism exists, or how he would define it, O'Toole didn't provide a specific answer. Across Alberta, about 80 per cent of daycares have reopened, but enrolment has essentially been cut in half. Jill Croteau reports. Nonetheless, the majority of main parties voluntarily include membership figures in annual accounts for the year ending 31 December, submitted to the Electoral Commission. "You could define it to me," he said in response to a question from a reporter after the debate. 2 groups believe murder of Toronto mosque volunteer should be investigated as hate crime, Parents and staff at a South Shore school for children with special needs say they will keep fighting for more funding, Montreal police investigation into attempted murder leaves 17 people facing charges, Quebec government announces two more regions have moved to an orange COVID-19 alert, Like us on Facebook to see similar stories, As coronavirus cases spike, Trudeau must strike throne speech balance: strategists, Ukraine holds military drills in response to Russian exercises. Trump administration dips into protective gear, CDC funds to fund vaccine push, China beat the U.S. to a carbon neutrality pledge, Trudeau poised to announce 3-pillar economic recovery plan: Official. “We have to address these issues in meaningful ways,” he said. A running theme in the English debate Thursday had been how Leslyn Lewis, Erin O'Toole, Derek Sloan, and MacKay, intend to grow the party's support enough to win a coveted majority government in the next federal election, but also respect and include the party's longtime faithful. officials report 96 new cases of COVID-19, no additional deaths, Alberta justice minister 'disturbed' by violence at Red Deer anti-racism rally, Toronto man alleges missing mass after surgery at downtown hospital, Taking symptoms off COVID-19 screening lists for students could lead to rise in cases: experts, Hold off on COVID-19 testing unless needed, Peterborough Medical Officer of Health, Coronavirus: Concerns Ontario long-term care homes unprepared for 2nd wave, Toronto pharmacies apprehensive about participating in COVID-19 testing. Membership numbers, ballots next milestones for Conservative leadership race. Visible minorities make up 13 per cent of the population in O'Toole's riding, and immigrants count for just 15 per cent. Brexit deal standoff: What could happen before the end of the month? Only 141,000 actually cast a ballot. TORONTO — The debates are behind them, the key clips cut and posted online, the emails trumpeting victory issued to supporters. "If he wants to do something about making this country a better place, he can do it.". A running theme in the English debate Thursday had been how Leslyn Lewis, Erin O'Toole, Derek Sloan, and MacKay, intend to grow the party's support enough to win a coveted majority government in the next federal election, but also respect and include the party's longtime faithful. What is the COVID-19 fifteen minute rule? This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2020. We rely on advertising to help fund our award-winning journalism. Alberta Health officials revealed Tuesday a second patient connected to the outbreak has died. “I've said, whenever we see an instance of racism, zero tolerance.”. Earlier this month, Mr Farage predicted that the number of paid-up supporters of his new Brexit Party will outstrip the Conservatives’ members, believing the Tories' figure to be 124,000.