Rudy calls on the Conservative Party to suspend the leadership race over COVID-19 concerns

This morning I met with my campaign team and organizers to assess the current situation.

I have decided to cancel my travel this weekend to Saskatchewan and Alberta and to return home to Montreal.

It is clear that we are in a time of crisis.

Canadians are worried about their health and for their loves ones.

Markets remain volatile and this situation will undoubtedly have an impact on our economy in the weeks and months ahead.

I believe the time is now to ensure Canadians are attending to their own health and financial wellbeing, not that of our campaigns or our party's leadership contest.

I respectfully call on the Conservative Party of Canada to do the right thing, and officially suspend this leadership race. This will allow my colleagues and Members of Parliament to return home to their ridings and attend to the needs of their constituents.

Politics can wait, our health cannot.

In this challenging time, we need to support our health officials and first responders first and foremost.

Lastly, I would like to send my thoughts and prayers to the Prime Minister and his family as they deal with these significant health challenges.  I will have all Canadians in my thoughts over the coming days.