The interim leader of Ontario's Progressive Conservatives says the party has to stop attacking people if it ever hopes to form government again.
Former cabinet minister and current Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson was elected as interim Tory leader today by the PC caucus, replacing Tim Hudak who led the party to defeat in the last two elections.
Wilson believes Hudak got some bad advice in the election campaign when he vowed to cut 100,000 public sector jobs, an idea the interim leader says "was unfairly thrust" on Tory MPPs and candidates without consultation.
He says the policy effectively had the Tories shooting themselves in the foot, which he points out they didn't need to do.
Wilson says the Conservatives spent the past decade in opposition attacking various groups, especially unions, and insists in their hearts they're not that kind of people.
He says they have to earn voters trust again, but says it will be up to the new leader to set policy while he'll provide a caretaker role until a convention can be held.
The PC executive will meet Saturday and could decide then on a date for a leadership convention, which Wilson says he'd like to see sooner rather than later.
Wilson will stay on the job until the Tories can hold a leadership race and schedule a convention to pick their next leader. Wilson isn't the only one getting a new job today as the legislature returns for the first time since the June 12 election.
Members of the legislature will elect a new Speaker this afternoon after all 107 MPPs are sworn in this morning, including Premier Kathleen Wynne.
Liberals Dave Levac -- who held the position before the election was called -- and Shafiq Qaadri are running, but Progressive Conservative Rick Nicholls and New Democrats Paul Miller and Cheri DiNovo also want the job.
