Manitoba’s senior Conservative MP Vic Toews said today he plans to run in the next federal election despite questions he may step down from politics for a post on Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench.
VIDEO: Reporters question Vic Toews
“As the nominated candidate I intend to run,” the MP for Provencher said to a scrum of reporters asking the same question about his future in the Harper government.
Treasury Board President Vic Toews makes an announcement with Minister of Sport Eric Robinson, rear left, regarding $256,000 more for Aboriginal Sport in Manitoba. He also denies that he will accept a judicial appointment.
It was the first time Toews, also Treasury Board president, has commented on a Free Press story that he is a candidate to fill vacancies on the federal court in either Brandon or Dauphin.
A federal selection committee has been laying the groundwork for the plum appointment by calling provincial justice officials with questions about Toews, sources told the Free Press.
Toews said today his appointment to the bench was news to him.
“I don’t speculate,” the former Crown attorney said.
He also said he had no idea why “rumours” of him becoming a judge would find their way into the newspaper.
Toews was appearing at a news conference on a joint federal-provincial funding program for aboriginal youth sport. Joining him was Eric Robinson, Manitoba’s minister responsible for sport.
Toews was also asked about an item in Saturday’s National Post by political columnist Don Martin.
Martin wrote Toews is involved in a messy divorce after fathering a child last fall with a much younger woman.
“I don’t talk about my personal life,” Toews replied.
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