Liberal MP 'surprised' social conservative felt 'ambushed' by questions on abortion

The Liberal MP who invited a Conservative backbencher onto his podcast said he's surprised the Conservative claimed he felt «ambushed» by queries about his long-standing and well-known opposition to abortion.

Nate Erskine-Smith said he's less surprised, however, to see Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre distance himself from Alberta MP Arnold Viersen's comments.

«I think if he wants to win an election, views like that are anathema to most Canadians,» he told reporters Wednesday.

During his appearance on Erskine-Smith's podcast, Viersen discussed his socially conservative views on issues like abortion and gay marriage, which he said he would vote against if given the opportunity.

«I hope for the day when abortion is unthinkable,» Viersen told Erskine-Smith, as he touted his position within caucus as a social conservative. He also spoke against cannabis legalization.

But at the start of the episode, Erskine-Smith read a letter he said he received from Viersen after the interview, in which the MP said he felt «ambushed» by the questions.

After the episode came out, Poilievre issued a statement through his office that said Viersen's comments did not represent his or the party's views on either abortion or gay marriage, which he said a future Conservative government would not touch.

«As our party's policy book, adopted by party members, has said for years, 'a Conservative government will not support any legislation to regulate abortion,»' the statement said.

«I will lead a small government that minds its own business, letting people make their own decisions about their love lives, their families, their bodies, their speech, their beliefs and their money,» Poilievre's statement continued. It added cannabis would also remain legal.

Vi