Erin O'Toole

O'Toole was born in Montreal, Quebec, on January 22, 1973, the son of Mollie ({{nee}} Hall) and John O'Toole, who served as the member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Durham in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario between 1995 and 2014.{{cite news |last1=Marsh |first1=Calum |title=Erin O'Toole meets Erin O'Toole after strange case of mistaken identity |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/erin-otoole-meets-erin-otoole-after-strange-case-of-mistaken-identity |access-date=September 20, 2020 |work=National Post |publisher=Postmedia |date=September 3, 2020 |archive-date=September 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20200905114520/https://nationalpost.com/news/erin-otoole-meets-erin-otoole-after-strange-case-of-mistaken-identity |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Coletta |first1=Amanda |title=Canadian Conservatives choose Erin O'Toole to lead fight against Trudeau |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/canadian-conservatives-choose-erin-otoole-to-lead-fight-against-trudeau/2020/08/24/150615e4-e1ae-11ea-82d8-5e55d47e90ca_story.html |access-date=September 20, 2020 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=August 24, 2020 |archive-date=September 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920202225/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/canadian-conservatives-choose-erin-otoole-to-lead-fight-against-trudeau/2020/08/24/150615e4-e1ae-11ea-82d8-5e55d47e90ca_story.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|title=John O'Toole Legislative Assembly of Ontario|url=https://www.ola.org/en/members/all/john-otoole|access-date=July 3, 2020|website=www.ola.org|date=June 8, 1995 |language=en|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703212956/https://www.ola.org/en/members/all/john-otoole|url-status=live}} His father is of Irish descent. His mother was born in London, England, and came to Canada after World War II.{{Cite web |title=CPC Interview Series: Erin O'Toole |url=https://www.canadianmuslimvote.ca/cpc_interview_series_erin_o_toole |url-status=live |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=canadianmuslimvote.ca |archive-date=November 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103094753/https://www.canadianmuslimvote.ca/cpc_interview_series_erin_o_toole }}{{Cite web |title=Erin O'Toole, Conservative MP for Duham (Ontario) |url=https://openparliament.ca/politicians/erin-otoole/?page=98 |url-status=live |access-date=December 4, 2020 |archive-date=December 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205125456/https://openparliament.ca/politicians/erin-otoole/?page=98 }} Following his mother's death when he was nine years old, his family moved to Port Perry, Ontario, where he attended elementary school. O'Toole and his family later moved to Bowmanville, Ontario, where he graduated from Bowmanville High School.{{cite web |last1=van Bilsen |first1=Jonathan |title=The Story Behind The Person – Erin O'Toole |url=http://www.thestandardnewspaper.ca/the-story-behind-the-person---jonathan-van-bilsen/the-story-behind-the-person-erin-otoole |website=The Standard Newspaper |access-date=November 1, 2018 |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103091952/http://www.thestandardnewspaper.ca/the-story-behind-the-person---jonathan-van-bilsen/the-story-behind-the-person-erin-otoole }}

In 1991, O'Toole joined the military, enrolling at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario. He graduated with an honours Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science in 1995.{{cite news |last1=Barthiaume |first1=Lee |title=Veteran lawyer Erin O'Toole a fresh face for federal Tories (with video) |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/politics/veteran-lawyer-erin-otoole-a-fresh-face-for-federal-tories |access-date=October 31, 2020 |work=Ottawa Citizen |publisher=Postmedia |date=December 23, 2014 |archive-date=November 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106134925/https://ottawacitizen.com/news/politics/veteran-lawyer-erin-otoole-a-fresh-face-for-federal-tories |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Maloney |first1=Ryan |title=Erin O'Toole Wins Conservative Leadership Race In Big Upset |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/erin-otoole-conservative-leader_ca_5f415690c5b6305f32582cf1?guccounter=1 |access-date=October 31, 2020 |work=HuffPost Canada |date=August 24, 2020 |archive-date=December 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205125450/https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/erin-otoole-conservative-leader_ca_5f415690c5b6305f32582cf1?guccounter=1 |url-status=live }}

Following his graduation, O'Toole was commissioned as an officer in the Canadian Forces Air Command.{{cite web |last1=Levitz |first1=Stephanie |title=Five things to know about new veterans Affairs Minister Erin O'Toole |url=https://ipolitics.ca/2015/01/05/five-things-to-know-about-new-veterans-affairs-minister-erin-otoole/ |website=iPolitics.ca |access-date=November 1, 2018 |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103092228/https://ipolitics.ca/2015/01/05/five-things-to-know-about-new-veterans-affairs-minister-erin-otoole/ |url-status=live }} He was first posted to Trenton, Ontario, where he was involved in search and rescue operations. O'Toole also spent time at 17 Wing in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he completed his training as an air navigator.

In 1997, O'Toole was posted to 12 Wing in Shearwater, Nova Scotia. While serving at this post, O'Toole flew as a tactical navigator on a CH-124 (Sea King) helicopter with 423 Squadron, conducted maritime surveillance, and performed search and rescue and naval support operations. While serving at 12 Wing, O'Toole was promoted to the rank of captain and was awarded the Sikorsky Helicopter Rescue Award for rescuing an injured fisherman at sea.

In 2000, O'Toole completed his active service in the military. He transferred to the reserves, working as a training officer running flight simulators, while he pursued a law degree. He received the Canadian Forces' Decoration for 12 years of service to Canada.

O'Toole graduated from the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University with a law degree in 2003.{{Cite web|last=Lao|first=David|date=August 24, 2020|title=Erin O'Toole: A look at the new Conservative leader and what he is promising|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7293277/new-conservative-party-leader-erin-otoole/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200825011306/https://globalnews.ca/news/7293277/new-conservative-party-leader-erin-otoole/|archive-date=August 25, 2020|access-date=August 26, 2020|website=Global News|language=en-CAN}} He returned to Ontario where he articled at, and later became a lawyer with, Stikeman Elliott, a business law firm in Toronto.{{Cite web|last=Haig|first=Terry|date=August 24, 2020|title=Erin O'Toole is ready…is the rest of Canada?|url=https://www.rcinet.ca/en/2020/08/24/erin-otoole-is-ready-is-the-rest-of-canada/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200826050502/https://www.rcinet.ca/en/2020/08/24/erin-otoole-is-ready-is-the-rest-of-canada/|archive-date=August 26, 2020|access-date=August 26, 2020|website=Radio Canada International|language=en-CAN}} During this time, O'Toole primarily practised in the areas of product liability, insolvency, competition and general commercial law.{{cite web |title=Erin O'Toole |url=http://regentlaw.ca/lawyers/erin-otoole |website=Regent Law |access-date=October 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812103352/http://regentlaw.ca/lawyers/erin-otoole| url-status=dead|archive-date=August 12, 2018}} Between 2006 and 2011, O'Toole served as Canadian in-house counsel for Procter & Gamble. He acted as corporate counsel for Gillette, provided commercial and regulatory law advice, was counsel on issues relating to legislation, and investigated counterfeiting operations.{{cite news |last1=Lao |first1=David |title=Erin O'Toole: A look at the new Conservative leader and what he is promising |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7293277/new-conservative-party-leader-erin-otoole/ |access-date=October 31, 2020 |work=Global News |publisher=Corus Entertainment |date=August 24, 2020 |archive-date=November 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103062709/https://globalnews.ca/news/7293277/new-conservative-party-leader-erin-otoole/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=O'Toole |first1=Erin |title=Erin O'Toole: As prime minister, I will stand up to China |url=https://nationalpost.com/opinion/erin-otoole-as-prime-minister-i-will-stand-up-to-china |access-date=October 31, 2020 |work=National Post |publisher=National Post |date=September 1, 2020 }} In 2011, O'Toole joined the law firm Heenan Blaikie,{{cite web |title=Heenan Blaikie lawyer takes aim at replacing Bev Oda in Parliament |url=http://lawandstyle.ca/law/heenan-blaikie-lawyer-takes-aim-at-replacing-bev-oda-in-parliament/ |website=Precedent |date=July 5, 2012 |access-date=November 1, 2018 |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103131307/http://lawandstyle.ca/law/heenan-blaikie-lawyer-takes-aim-at-replacing-bev-oda-in-parliament/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Gray |first1=Jeff |title=The inside story of Heenan Blaikie's frantic final days |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/the-inside-story-of-heenan-blaikies-frantic-final-days/article34344309/ |website=The Globe and Mail |date=March 19, 2017 |access-date=November 1, 2018 |archive-date=May 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518105827/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/the-inside-story-of-heenan-blaikies-frantic-final-days/article34344309/ |url-status=live }} where he was a registered lobbyist for Facebook, Inc.{{cite news |last1=McMahon |first1=Tamsin |title=Facebook used third parties to lobby as it sought to influence legislation |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-facebook-used-third-parties-to-lobby-as-it-sought-to-influence/ |access-date=July 15, 2021 |work=The Globe and Mail |date=March 5, 2019}}

In May 2012, O'Toole announced his plans to run as the Conservative candidate in the by-election for Durham, following Bev Oda's resignation,{{cite news |last1=Erman |first1=Boyd |title=Bay Street lawyer eyes Bev Oda's seat |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/streetwise/bay-street-lawyer-eyes-bev-odas-seat/article4391358/ |website=The Globe and Mail |date=July 5, 2012 |access-date=August 27, 2017 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304085836/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/streetwise/bay-street-lawyer-eyes-bev-odas-seat/article4391358/ |url-status=live }} winning the seat on November 26, 2012.{{cite web |last1=Hall |first1=Chris |title=Erin O'Toole thoroughly dominates Durham |url=https://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/3510019-erin-o-toole-thoroughly-dominates-durham/ |website=DurhamRegion.com |date=December 5, 2012 |access-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103131254/https://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/3510019-erin-o-toole-thoroughly-dominates-durham/ |url-status=live }} In September 2013, Prime Minister Stephen Harper named O'Toole the parliamentary secretary to the minister of international trade, Ed Fast.{{cite web |title=Parliamentary Roles – Erin O'Toole |url=http://www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/Erin-OToole(72773)/Roles |website=Parliament of Canada |access-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-date=October 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020195929/http://www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/Erin-OToole(72773)/Roles |url-status=live }}

In 2014, O'Toole partnered with Senator Roméo Dallaire to host the first Samuel Sharpe Memorial Breakfast, in honour of former soldier and MP Samuel Simpson Sharpe. Sharpe committed suicide in 1918 following his return home from World War I. O'Toole and Dallaire started the memorial breakfast to bring issues of veterans' mental health to the forefront and to improve access to treatment and resources for soldiers suffering from operational stress injuries.{{cite web |last1=Dillon |first1=Moya |title=Durham MP Erin O'Toole revives legacy of Zephyr war vet Samuel Sharpe |url=https://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/5733251-durham-mp-erin-o-toole-revives-legacy-of-zephyr-war-vet-samuel-sharpe/ |website=DurhamRegion.com |date=July 19, 2015 |access-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103131250/https://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/5733251-durham-mp-erin-o-toole-revives-legacy-of-zephyr-war-vet-samuel-sharpe/ |url-status=live }} In May 2018, O'Toole introduced a motion to install a plaque commemorating Sharpe on Parliament Hill, which passed unanimously.{{cite web |title=100 years after his death, 'forgotten' officer to be commemorated on Hill |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/plaque-parliament-hill-soldier-suicide-samuel-sharpe-1.4677509 |website=CBC News |access-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-date=August 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819192108/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/plaque-parliament-hill-soldier-suicide-samuel-sharpe-1.4677509 |url-status=live }}

On January 5, 2015, Harper appointed O'Toole as minister of veterans affairs, replacing Julian Fantino.{{Cite web |title=PM Announces Changes to the Ministry |url=http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2015/01/05/pm-announces-changes-ministry |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150105195452/http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2015/01/05/pm-announces-changes-ministry |archive-date=January 5, 2015 |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=pm.gc}}{{cite web | last1=Taylor-Vaisey | first1=Nick | title=Newsmaker of the day: Who is Erin O'Toole? | url=https://www.macleans.ca/politics/ottawa/newsmaker-of-the-day-erin-otoole/ | website=Maclean's | date=January 5, 2015 | access-date=September 9, 2020 | archive-date=November 6, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106040937/https://www.macleans.ca/politics/ottawa/newsmaker-of-the-day-erin-otoole/ | url-status=live }} O'Toole prioritized repairing relations with veterans and addressing the complaints Canadian veterans had with Fantino.{{cite web |last1=Long |first1=Jamie |title=Erin O'Toole, veterans affairs minister, moves to address complaints |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/erin-o-toole-veterans-affairs-minister-moves-to-address-complaints-1.2993985 |website=CBC News |access-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-date=September 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916195748/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/erin-o-toole-veterans-affairs-minister-moves-to-address-complaints-1.2993985 |url-status=live }} During his time as veterans affairs minister, he convinced veterans who had sued the Canadian government to place a halt on their lawsuit while they entered into settlement negotiations.{{cite web |last1=Brewster |first1=Murray |title=Afghan vets lawsuit over benefits on hold as Tories search for settlement |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/afghan-vets-lawsuit-over-benefits-on-hold-as-tories-search-for-settlement-1.2993572 |website=CBC News |access-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-date=April 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409172914/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/afghan-vets-lawsuit-over-benefits-on-hold-as-tories-search-for-settlement-1.2993572 |url-status=live }} In the lawsuit, filed before O'Toole was named minister, the Canadian soldiers argued that the 2006 overhaul of veteran benefits was discriminatory.

In the 2015 election, O'Toole was re-elected as MP for Durham, receiving 45 per cent of the vote, followed by Liberal candidate Corinna Traill with 36 per cent.{{cite web |title=Durham Riding stays blue with Erin O'Toole: 2015 federal election results |url=https://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/5957078-durham-riding-stays-blue-with-erin-o-toole-2015-federal-election-results/ |website=DurhamRegion.com |date=October 19, 2015 |access-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103131247/https://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/5957078-durham-riding-stays-blue-with-erin-o-toole-2015-federal-election-results/ |url-status=live }}

{{Main|2017 Conservative Party of Canada leadership election}}

Stephen Harper resigned as Conservative party leader after the Liberals won a majority in the 2015 federal election. O'Toole announced that he would seek the interim leadership of the Conservative Party.{{cite web |title=Erin O'Toole, ex-Veterans Affair minister, to seek Conservative interim leadership |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/erin-otoole-interim-leader-conservatives-1.3288843 |website=CBC News |access-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-date=December 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219155929/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/erin-otoole-interim-leader-conservatives-1.3288843 |url-status=live }} Rona Ambrose defeated him but named O'Toole the Official Opposition critic for public safety.{{cite web |last1=Harris |first1=Kathleen |title=Rona Ambrose chosen as interim Conservative leader |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/conservative-interim-leader-vote-1.3306152 |website=CBC News |access-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-date=December 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223011719/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/conservative-interim-leader-vote-1.3306152 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Tasker |first=John Paul |date=November 20, 2015 |title=Interim Conservative Leader Rona Ambrose taps women for top shadow cabinet jobs |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/rona-ambrose-conservative-shadow-cabinet-1.3327895 |url-status=live |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=CBC News |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108203911/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/rona-ambrose-conservative-shadow-cabinet-1.3327895 }}

File:Meeting with Erin O'Toole - Rencontre avec Erin O'Toole (37309864436).jpg several months after the Conservative Party leadership election in 2017]]

On October 14, 2016, O'Toole announced his candidacy for the 2017 Conservative Party of Canada leadership election.{{cite web |last1=Pessian |first1=Parvaneh |title=Durham MP Erin O'Toole launches Conservative leadership bid in Bowmanville |url=https://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/6911571-durham-mp-erin-o-toole-launches-conservative-leadership-bid-in-bowmanville/ |website=DurhamRegion.com |date=October 14, 2016 |access-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-date=September 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909184855/https://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/6911571-durham-mp-erin-o-toole-launches-conservative-leadership-bid-in-bowmanville/ |url-status=live }} O'Toole ran a positive campaign and avoided personally attacking other candidates during the campaign, arguing that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau does not own optimism.{{cite news |title=Erin O'Toole's 'one weakness' in leadership race: name recognition |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/erin-o-toole-s-one-weakness-in-leadership-race-name-recognition-1.3403816 |access-date=August 26, 2020 |work=CTV News |publisher=Bell Media |date=May 8, 2017 |location=Ottawa |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112031313/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/erin-o-toole-s-one-weakness-in-leadership-race-name-recognition-1.3403816 |url-status=live }} He received endorsements from 31 MPs, 12 former MPs, and 17 provincial politicians.{{cite web |last1=Grenier |first1=Éric |title=Erin O'Toole winning Conservative caucus as it shuns leadership front-runners Bernier, O'Leary |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/grenier-conservative-leadership-endorsements-1.4042721 |website=CBC News |access-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-date=September 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921192854/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/grenier-conservative-leadership-endorsements-1.4042721 |url-status=live }} O'Toole finished in third place, behind Maxime Bernier and the eventual winner Andrew Scheer.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cpac.ca/en/conservative-leadership-results/|title=Conservative Leadership: The Results|date=May 29, 2017|website=CPAC|access-date=October 22, 2019|archive-date=October 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022140704/https://www.cpac.ca/en/conservative-leadership-results/|url-status=live}}

In 2018, after Patrick Brown resigned over accusations of sexual misconduct, O'Toole considered entering the Ontario Progressive Conservative leadership race.{{cite web |last1=Lunn |first1=Susan |last2=Tasker |first2=John |title=Conservative MP Erin O'Toole considering run for Ontario PC leadership |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/otoole-ontario-pc-leadership-1.4512368 |website=CBC News |access-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-date=March 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329234202/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/otoole-ontario-pc-leadership-1.4512368 |url-status=live }} He ultimately passed on the opportunity, instead supporting Christine Elliott.{{cite web |last1=Fitzpatrick |first1=Meagan |title=Erin O'Toole takes pass on Ontario PC leadership, endorses Christine Elliott |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/erin-o-toole-takes-pass-on-ontario-pc-leadership-endorses-christine-elliott-1.4516404 |website=CBC News |access-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-date=April 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412104900/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/erin-o-toole-takes-pass-on-ontario-pc-leadership-endorses-christine-elliott-1.4516404 |url-status=live }} On August 31, 2017, Andrew Scheer appointed O'Toole the official opposition critic for foreign affairs.{{cite web |last1=O'Meara |first1=Jennifer |title=O'Toole named Conservative shadow minister for foreign affairs |url=https://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/7530558-o-toole-named-conservative-shadow-minister-for-foreign-affairs/ |website=DurhamRegion.com |date=August 31, 2017 |access-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103131252/https://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/7530558-o-toole-named-conservative-shadow-minister-for-foreign-affairs/ |url-status=live }}

As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was re-elected as prime minister in 2019, O'Toole won re-election in his riding, beating the Liberal candidate by about 10 per cent of the vote.{{cite news |last1=O'Meara |first1=Jennifer |title=Re-elected Conservative Erin O'Toole vows to be Durham's voice in Ottawa |url=https://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/9656471-re-elected-conservative-erin-o-toole-vows-to-be-durham-s-voice-in-ottawa/ |access-date=September 19, 2020 |work=DurhamRegion.com |publisher=Torstar |date=October 22, 2019 |archive-date=February 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221125743/https://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/9656471-re-elected-conservative-erin-o-toole-vows-to-be-durham-s-voice-in-ottawa/ |url-status=live }}

{{Main|2020 Conservative Party of Canada leadership election}}

File:CPCLeadership2020Province.png results by province]]

In December 2019, Andrew Scheer announced his resignation as Conservative Party leader after it was revealed that he had used party funds for his children's private schooling.{{Cite web|title=Internal audit of Scheer's spending reveals party money spent on school, clothes, minivan|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6769964/andrew-scheer-internal-audit-conservatives/|access-date=September 16, 2020|website=Global News|language=en-US|archive-date=November 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101003829/https://globalnews.ca/news/6769964/andrew-scheer-internal-audit-conservatives/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Canada Conservative leader in surprise resignation |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-50762474 |website=BBC News |date=December 12, 2019 |access-date=May 17, 2020 |archive-date=June 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624103218/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-50762474 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Rabson |first1=Mia |title=Conservative party in disarray over Scheer private school controversy |url=https://www.nationalobserver.com/2019/12/15/news/conservative-party-disarray-over-scheer-private-school-controversy |website=National Observer |language=en |date=December 15, 2019 |access-date=May 17, 2020 |archive-date=June 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624010441/https://www.nationalobserver.com/2019/12/15/news/conservative-party-disarray-over-scheer-private-school-controversy |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=MacCharles |first1=Tonda |title=Andrew Scheer quitting as Conservative leader amid controversy |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2019/12/12/andrew-scheer-to-step-down-as-conservative-party-leader.html |website=thestar.com |language=en |date=December 12, 2019 |access-date=May 17, 2020 |archive-date=August 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806043149/https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2019/12/12/andrew-scheer-to-step-down-as-conservative-party-leader.html |url-status=live }} Scheer remained leader until his successor was elected.{{cite web |last1=Connolly |first1=Amanda |title=Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer resigns, vows to stay on until new leader chosen |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6288286/andrew-scheer-resignation/ |website=Global News |access-date=May 17, 2020 |archive-date=September 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925195209/https://globalnews.ca/news/6288286/andrew-scheer-resignation/ |url-status=live }}

O'Toole announced that he would seek the leadership of the Conservative Party in late January 2020.{{cite web |last1=Levitz |first1=Stephanie |title=Erin O'Toole announces bid for Conservative leadership in Alberta |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6466394/erin-otoole-conservative-leadership-race/ |website=Global News |access-date=May 17, 2020 |archive-date=April 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406173837/https://globalnews.ca/news/6466394/erin-otoole-conservative-leadership-race/ |url-status=live }} During his campaign, he framed himself as a "true blue" conservative, implying that rivals like Peter MacKay were less conservative.{{cite news |last1=Boutilier |first1=Alex |title=Erin O'Toole attempted to convince Conservatives he's 'true blue.' Did it work? |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2020/08/16/erin-otoole-attempted-to-convince-conservatives-hes-true-blue-did-it-work.html |access-date=August 27, 2020 |work=Toronto Star |publisher=Torstar |date=August 16, 2020 |archive-date=August 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824091324/https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2020/08/16/erin-otoole-attempted-to-convince-conservatives-hes-true-blue-did-it-work.html |url-status=live }} It helped that Pierre Poilievre, who was expected to get support from the right of the party, decided not to run.{{cite news |last1=Platt |first1=Brian |title=The rise of Erin O'Toole: Inside the strategy that took him from underdog to victor in Conservative leadership race |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/how-the-race-was-won-otooles-campaign-to-take-down-mackay-for-the-conservative-leadership |access-date=October 17, 2020 |work=National Post |publisher=Postmedia |date=September 4, 2020 |archive-date=September 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200905054747/https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/how-the-race-was-won-otooles-campaign-to-take-down-mackay-for-the-conservative-leadership |url-status=live }} O'Toole's tone was angrier this time than during his first leadership run, which he stated was due to his increasing worry about the country after five years under a Trudeau government.{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Marie-Danielle |title=Who really is Erin O'Toole? |url=https://www.macleans.ca/politics/ottawa/who-really-is-erin-otoole/ |access-date=August 27, 2020 |work=Maclean's |date=July 14, 2020 |archive-date=August 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200826125556/https://www.macleans.ca/politics/ottawa/who-really-is-erin-otoole/ |url-status=live }} He believed that his status as an MP would allow him to hold Trudeau accountable as soon as he became leader. During the campaign, O'Toole alleged that MacKay's campaign obtained stolen internal campaign data from him. A former intern at Calgary Centre MP Greg McLean's office later admitted to obtaining the data.{{cite news |last1=Platt |first1=Brian |title=O'Toole campaign asks police to investigate MacKay's campaign for allegedly hacking internal data, videos |url=https://www.theguardian.pe.ca/news/canada/otoole-campaign-asks-police-to-investigate-mackays-campaign-for-allegedly-hacking-internal-data-videos-464505/ |access-date=October 20, 2020 |work=The Guardian |agency=SaltWire Network |date=June 19, 2020 |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024004522/https://www.theguardian.pe.ca/news/canada/otoole-campaign-asks-police-to-investigate-mackays-campaign-for-allegedly-hacking-internal-data-videos-464505/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Boutilier |first1=Alex |last2=Leavitt |first2=Kieran |title=Here's the real story behind the Conservative hacking scandal: It all starts with a fired intern |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2020/06/24/heres-what-really-happened-in-the-conservative-hacking-scandal-fired-intern.html |access-date=October 20, 2020 |work=Toronto Star |publisher=Torstar |date=June 24, 2020 |archive-date=October 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022155639/https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2020/06/24/heres-what-really-happened-in-the-conservative-hacking-scandal-fired-intern.html |url-status=live }}

O'Toole won the leadership election after three rounds were counted, replacing Andrew Scheer. His victory was attributed partially to his pitch to socially conservative voters including supporters of candidates Derek Sloan and Leslyn Lewis to mark him as their second or third choice.{{cite news |last1=Boutilier |first1=Alex |title=After riding social conservative support to leadership victory, Erin O'Toole reaffirms he's 'pro-choice' |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2020/08/25/erin-otoole-reaffirms-pro-choice-stance-says-hell-defend-rights-as-conservative-leader.html |access-date=December 28, 2020 |work=Toronto Star |publisher=Torstar |date=August 25, 2020}}{{Cite news|date=August 23, 2020|title=Erin O'Toole wins Conservative Party of Canada leadership on 3rd ballot|url=https://www.cp24.com/news/erin-o-toole-wins-conservative-party-of-canada-leadership-on-3rd-ballot-1.5075658|access-date=August 24, 2020|work=CP24|language=en|archive-date=December 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205125451/https://www.cp24.com/news/good-morning-i-m-erin-o-toole-new-tory-leader-wins-after-hours-long-delay-1.5075658|url-status=live}} He generally performed better in Conservative- and Bloc Québécois-held ridings, in rural areas, and in areas with fewer visible minorities. Despite representing a riding on the eastern edge of the Greater Toronto Area, O'Toole performed poorly there.{{cite news |last1=Taylor-Vaisey |first1=Nick |title=Erin O'Toole's victory in 15 key charts |url=https://www.macleans.ca/politics/ottawa/erin-otooles-victory-in-15-key-charts/ |access-date=August 31, 2020 |work=Maclean's |date=August 31, 2020 |archive-date=August 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831171635/https://www.macleans.ca/politics/ottawa/erin-otooles-victory-in-15-key-charts/ |url-status=live }} People's Party leader Maxime Bernier criticized him in remarks dismissed by fellow leadership candidate Sloan, stating that he was not a real conservative.{{cite news |last1=Zimonjic |first1=Peter |title=Erin O'Toole spends 1st day overseeing transition, talking to PM and Scheer |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/erin-otoole-first-day-on-job-1.5698290 |access-date=August 25, 2020 |work=CBC News |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=August 24, 2020 |archive-date=August 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824235623/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/erin-otoole-first-day-on-job-1.5698290 |url-status=live }}

Shortly after becoming leader, O'Toole said that triggering a fall election was not his priority and he preferred to focus instead on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and finding jobs for the unemployed.{{cite news |last1=Bensadoun |first1=Emerald |title=Conservative Leader O'Toole says triggering fall election 'not my priority' |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7305699/conservative-erin-otoole-fall-election/ |access-date=August 31, 2020 |work=Global News |publisher=Corus Entertainment |date=August 30, 2020 |archive-date=August 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830233717/https://globalnews.ca/news/7305699/conservative-erin-otoole-fall-election/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Tasker |first1=John Paul |title=Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole downplays talk of a fall federal election |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/erin-otoole-fall-election-1.5709569 |access-date=September 2, 2020 |work=CBC News |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=September 2, 2020 |archive-date=September 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902200514/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/erin-otoole-fall-election-1.5709569 |url-status=live }} He reaffirmed his position in December 2020, stating that an election should not take place until after the pandemic had ended.{{cite news |last1=Aiello |first1=Rachel |title=O'Toole eyes post-pandemic election, vows to keep pushing feds on COVID-19 in meantime |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/o-toole-eyes-post-pandemic-election-vows-to-keep-pushing-feds-on-covid-19-in-meantime-1.5229337 |access-date=December 15, 2020 |work=CTV News |publisher=Bell Media |date=December 13, 2020}} Still, he said the Conservative Party was prepared for another election if one was called. On September 2, 2020, he announced Candice Bergen would serve as his deputy.{{Cite news|last=The Canadian Press|date=September 2, 2020|title=O'Toole names top Tories for Commons roles, with Bergen as deputy leader|url=https://canoe.com/news/national/otoole-names-top-tories-for-commons-roles-with-bergen-as-deputy-leader|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918073618/https://canoe.com/news/national/otoole-names-top-tories-for-commons-roles-with-bergen-as-deputy-leader|archive-date=September 18, 2020|access-date=September 2, 2020|newspaper=Toronto Sun|language=en-CA}} O'Toole revealed his Shadow Cabinet the following week, with most roles changing from the previous Scheer-led one.{{cite news |last1=Platt |first1=Brian |title=O'Toole names shadow cabinet with Rempel Garner, Poilievre and Stubbs in key pandemic positions |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/otoole-names-shadow-cabinet-with-rempel-garner-poilievre-and-stubbs-in-key-pandemic-positions |access-date=September 9, 2020 |work=National Post |publisher=Postmedia |date=September 8, 2020 }}

File:Erin O'Toole - Vaccination (51140423441).jpg

During the COVID-19 pandemic, O'Toole criticized the Trudeau government for not approving rapid and at-home testing options, arguing that the economy would be unstable if they or a vaccine were unavailable.{{cite news |last1=Jackson |first1=Hannah |title='No plan' for economy will work without more access to COVID-19 tests, vaccines: O'Toole |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7491147/erin-otoole-fall-economic-update/ |access-date=November 30, 2020 |work=Global News |publisher=Corus Entertainment |date=November 29, 2020 |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129175925/https://globalnews.ca/news/7491147/erin-otoole-fall-economic-update/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Levitz |first1=Stephanie |title=Tory leader O'Toole says he won't bar MPs from using private COVID-19 testing site |url=https://www.cp24.com/news/tory-leader-o-toole-says-he-won-t-bar-mps-from-using-private-covid-19-testing-site-1.5119782 |access-date=October 1, 2020 |work=CP24 |publisher=Bell Media |date=September 25, 2020 |archive-date=September 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929112410/https://www.cp24.com/news/tory-leader-o-toole-says-he-won-t-bar-mps-from-using-private-covid-19-testing-site-1.5119782 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Platt |first1=Brian |title=In reply to throne speech, O'Toole hammers China and accuses Trudeau of stoking regional divisions |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/in-reply-to-throne-speech-conservative-leader-erin-otoole-hammers-china-and-accuses-trudeau-of-stoking-regional-divisions |access-date=October 1, 2020 |work=National Post |publisher=Postmedia |date=September 30, 2020 |archive-date=October 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20201002051750/https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/in-reply-to-throne-speech-conservative-leader-erin-otoole-hammers-china-and-accuses-trudeau-of-stoking-regional-divisions |url-status=live }} O'Toole has praised Alberta's pandemic response for allowing testing at pharmacies and being less restrictive than other provinces.{{cite news |last1=Boutilier |first1=Alex |title=Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole takes a shot at Ontario government's management of pandemic restrictions |url=https://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/10225656-conservative-leader-erin-o-toole-takes-a-shot-at-ontario-government-s-management-of-pandemic-restrictions/ |access-date=October 18, 2020 |work=YorkRegion.com |agency=Metroland Media |publisher=Torstar |date=October 18, 2020 |archive-date=October 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018232653/https://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/10225656-conservative-leader-erin-o-toole-takes-a-shot-at-ontario-government-s-management-of-pandemic-restrictions/ |url-status=live }} When distribution of a vaccine was near, he criticized the government for being unable to deliver doses as quickly as other countries like the US and the UK. He called for more transparency regarding the vaccine rollout plan and stated that Canada only focused on preordering vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna after a partnership with a Chinese company failed.{{cite news |last1=Blanchfield |first1=Mike |title=PM put all vaccine 'eggs' in one basket, didn't consider other options: O'Toole |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/pm-put-all-vaccine-eggs-in-one-basket-didn-t-consider-other-options-o-toole-1.5209388 |access-date=November 30, 2020 |work=CTV News |agency=The Canadian Press |publisher=Bell Media |date=November 29, 2020 |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129193218/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/pm-put-all-vaccine-eggs-in-one-basket-didn-t-consider-other-options-o-toole-1.5209388 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Aiello |first1=Rachel |title=O'Toole suggests lack of Liberal transparency feeding problem of vaccine misinformation |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/o-toole-suggests-lack-of-liberal-transparency-feeding-problem-of-vaccine-misinformation-1.5216228 |access-date=December 4, 2020 |work=CTV News |publisher=Bell Media |date=December 3, 2020 |archive-date=December 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205125523/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/o-toole-suggests-lack-of-liberal-transparency-feeding-problem-of-vaccine-misinformation-1.5216228 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Liberals' failure to be transparent on vaccines fuelling anxiety: O'Toole – CityNews Toronto |url=https://toronto.citynews.ca/2020/12/03/liberals-failure-to-be-transparent-on-vaccines-fuelling-anxiety-otoole-2/ |access-date=December 4, 2020 |work=CityNews |agency=The Canadian Press |publisher=Rogers Media |date=December 3, 2020 |archive-date=December 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205125536/https://toronto.citynews.ca/2020/12/03/liberals-failure-to-be-transparent-on-vaccines-fuelling-anxiety-otoole-2/ |url-status=live }}

In response to the WE Charity scandal, O'Toole proposed creating an anti-corruption committee tasked with releasing related details and other possible ethics violations made by the government during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the defeat of the motion after Trudeau declared it a confidence vote, O'Toole proposed that these instead be done by the health committee.{{cite news |last1=O'Malley |first1=Kady |title=iPolitics AM: Confidence vote looms as Tories argue for 'anti-corruption committee' |url=https://ipolitics.ca/2020/10/20/ipolitics-am-critical-confidence-vote-looms-as-conservatives-make-the-case-for-an-anti-corruption-committee/ |access-date=October 20, 2020 |work=iPolitics |date=October 20, 2020 |archive-date=December 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205125452/https://ipolitics.ca/2020/10/20/ipolitics-am-confidence-vote-looms-as-tories-argue-for-anti-corruption-committee/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Harris |first1=Kathleen |last2=Levitz |first2=Stephanie |work=CBC News |title=Parliamentary showdown looms as Conservatives, Liberals dig in heels over anti-corruption committee |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/conservatives-we-opposition-day-1.5768993 |access-date=October 20, 2020 |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020130958/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/conservatives-we-opposition-day-1.5768993 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Aiello |first1=Rachel |title=Feds face new Conservative push for COVID-19 study |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/feds-face-new-conservative-push-for-covid-19-study-1.5155730 |access-date=October 22, 2020 |work=CTV News |publisher=Bell Media |date=October 22, 2020 |archive-date=December 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205125452/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/feds-face-new-opposition-push-for-deep-dive-into-covid-19-response-1.5155730 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Ryan Patrick |title=Liberals rebuff Conservative push for documents on federal COVID-19 response |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/conservative-motion-health-committee-covid19-minority-government-1.5772247 |access-date=October 22, 2020 |work=CBC News |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=October 22, 2020 |archive-date=October 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022142356/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/conservative-motion-health-committee-covid19-minority-government-1.5772247 |url-status=live }}

During his leadership, O'Toole worked to attract working-class people to the Conservative Party, noting his experience of watching auto workers lose their jobs in his hometown of Bowmanville, and his support for unions. Despite his support for unions, union leaders were skeptical given his previous parliamentary voting record and his pre-2015 free trade-related work.{{cite news |last1=Platt |first1=Brian |title=Why Erin O'Toole is gambling on building a new, union-friendly Conservative voting coalition |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/why-erin-otoole-is-gambling-on-building-a-new-union-friendly-conservative-voting-coalition |access-date=November 12, 2020 |work=National Post |publisher=Postmedia |date=November 12, 2020 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20201112192339/https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/why-erin-otoole-is-gambling-on-building-a-new-union-friendly-conservative-voting-coalition |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Hutchens |first1=Gareth |title=Could the latest speeches from Canadian Conservative Party leader Erin O'Toole be a hint politics in Australia will soon slide leftwards? |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-15/canada-conservative-party-erin-otoole-speeches-australia-link/12884606 |access-date=November 16, 2020 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=November 14, 2020 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115182243/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-15/canada-conservative-party-erin-otoole-speeches-australia-link/12884606 |url-status=live }} O'Toole also softened his rhetoric, presenting himself as moderate to counter accusations from opponents that he was trying to market to the far-right.{{cite news |last1=Forrest |first1=Maura |title=Canadian Conservatives reckon with fallout from Capitol Hill riot |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/01/18/canadian-conservatives-capitol-hill-trump-459819 |access-date=January 19, 2021 |work=Politico |date=January 18, 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Wherry |first1=Aaron |title=Erin O'Toole moves to shake off the Trumpian taint |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/erin-otoole-conservative-party-donald-trump-1.5878211 |access-date=January 24, 2021 |work=CBC News |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=January 19, 2021}}

Due to his shift from the "true blue" rhetoric of his leadership campaign to a more moderate approach, he has received some criticism from within the party and fears that he may drop certain Conservative priorities such as opposition to the carbon tax.{{cite news |last1=Platt |first1=Brian |title=As tensions rise in Conservative caucus, Erin O'Toole's leadership is put to the test |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/as-tensions-rise-in-conservative-caucus-erin-otooles-leadership-put-to-the-test |access-date=March 13, 2021 |work=National Post |publisher=Postmedia |date=March 6, 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Boutilier |first1=Alex |title=Will Erin O'Toole embrace a carbon tax? Some of his MPs are worried he will, insiders say |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2021/03/02/will-erin-otoole-embrace-a-carbon-tax-some-of-his-mps-are-worried-he-will-insiders-say.html |access-date=March 13, 2021 |work=Toronto Star |publisher=Torstar |date=March 2, 2021}} O'Toole later acknowledged such party criticism, though he continued said approach, stating the party must have "the courage to change" and attract new voters in order to win against the Liberals.{{cite news |last1=Reynolds |first1=Christopher |title=O'Toole acknowledges some Conservatives 'frustrated' over carbon pricing plan |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal-election/2021/08/21/otoole-pledges-to-hike-disability-supports-by-doubling-annual-supplement.html |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=Toronto Star |publisher=Torstar |date=August 21, 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Platt |first1=Brian |title=Conservative Party must have 'the courage to change,' Erin O'Toole tells party convention |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/the-conservative-party-must-have-the-courage-to-change-erin-otoole-tells-party-convention |access-date=March 19, 2021 |work=National Post |publisher=Postmedia |date=March 19, 2021}}

{{See also|2021 Canadian federal election}}

Following the start of the 2021 election campaign, O'Toole released a platform with the slogans "Secure the Future"{{Cite web|title=Canada's Recovery Plan|url=https://www.conservative.ca/plan/|access-date=August 21, 2021|website=Secure the Future|language=en-US}} in English and "Agir Pour L'Avenir" (English translation: Act for the Future) in French.{{Cite web|title=Plan de rétablissement du Canada|url=https://www.conservateur.ca/plan/|access-date=August 21, 2021|website=Opposition officielle du Canada|language=fr-FR}}{{Cite web|title=An Early Look at the Party Leaders, the Platforms and the Promises|url=https://www.everythingzoomer.com/general/politics/2021/08/21/election-2021-leaders-platforms-promises/|access-date=August 21, 2021|website=Zoomer|language=en-EN}}

The opening paragraphs of the 160-page document include a statement that "It's time for Conservatives to take inequality seriously"{{Cite web|title=Secure the Future: Conservatives Election Platform 2021|url=https://cpcassets.conservative.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/16102359/f8279981721e07a.pdf|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820052417/https://cpcassets.conservative.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/16102359/f8279981721e07a.pdf|url-status=dead}} The Conservatives described their platform as focusing on the economy, jobs, and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |last1=Reynolds |first1=Chris |title=Conservatives unveil platform stressing jobs, pledge to scrap Liberal child-care deals |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/tories-roll-out-platform-stressing-jobs-pledge-to-scrap-liberal-child-care-deals |access-date=August 16, 2021 |work=National Post |agency=The Canadian Press |publisher=Postmedia |date=August 16, 2021}} In the final days of the campaign, he attempted to convince People's Party voters that a vote for it would split the vote and allow a Trudeau victory. O'Toole lost the election to Trudeau, who won another minority government, though he won his riding of Durham and a plurality of the popular vote.{{cite news |last1=Turnbull |first1=Sarah |title=Conservatives fail to dethrone Liberals |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/federal-election-2021/conservatives-fail-to-dethrone-liberals-1.5593607 |access-date=September 21, 2021 |work=CTV News |publisher=Bell Media |date=September 21, 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Flanagan |first1=Ryan |title=Liberals return to Alberta, and 5 other surprises in the election results |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/federal-election-2021/liberals-return-to-alberta-and-5-other-surprises-in-the-election-results-1.5593768 |access-date=September 21, 2021 |work=CTV News |publisher=Bell Media |date=September 21, 2021}} O'Toole stated on election night that he would stay on as leader.{{cite news |last1=Tunney |first1=Catharine |title=Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole sticks with moderate message despite falling short |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/erin-otoole-election-1.6182500 |access-date=September 21, 2021 |work=CBC News |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=September 20, 2021}}

Shortly after the election, the party became divided on whether or not O'Toole should stay on as leader of the party.{{cite news |last1=Turnbull |first1=Sarah |title=Conservatives divided on fate of O'Toole, as party's MPs call for unity |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/conservatives-divided-on-fate-of-o-toole-as-party-s-mps-call-for-unity-1.5599886 |access-date=September 26, 2021 |work=CTV News |publisher=Bell Media |date=September 26, 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Tasker |first1=John Pauil |title=Conservatives divided on what to do about Erin O'Toole after election loss |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/conseratives-split-erin-otoole-1.6187155 |access-date=September 26, 2021 |work=CBC News |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=September 23, 2021}} On November 15, Conservative senator Denise Batters called for a referendum on O'Toole's leadership, saying that O'Toole "flip-flopped on policies core to our party" including a carbon tax, firearm regulations and abortion.{{Cite news|last=Tasker|first=John Paul|date=November 15, 2021|title=Conservative senator launches petition to oust Erin O'Toole as leader|work=CBC News|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/conservative-senator-oust-erin-otoole-1.6249440|access-date=December 21, 2021}} Conservative Party president Robert Batherson ruled that a referendum to call a leadership review was "not in order". Two days later, O'Toole responded by removing Denise Batters from the caucus, saying anyone "who's not putting the team and the country first, will not be part of this team."{{Cite news|last1=Bailey|first1=Ian|last2=Walsh|first2=Marieke|last3=Curry|first3=Bill|last4=Dickson|first4=Janice|date=November 17, 2021|title=Erin O'Toole defends ouster of Senator Denise Batters from Conservative caucus|language=en-CA|work=The Globe and Mail|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-erin-otoole-defends-ouster-of-senator-denise-batters-from-conservative/|access-date=December 21, 2021}}

On January 31, 2022, Conservative Calgary Heritage MP Bob Benzen submitted a letter with signatures from 35 Conservative MPs calling for a leadership review on O'Toole's leadership to the Conservative caucus chair, Scott Reid. In the letter, Benzen criticized O'Toole's reversal on repealing Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's carbon tax and assault weapons ban.{{cite web |last1=Tasker |first1=John |title=Conservative caucus revolt triggers vote on Erin O'Toole's leadership |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/erin-otoole-leadership-review-caucus-1.6334491 |website=CBC News |access-date=2 February 2022 |date=31 January 2022}} On February 2, 2022, O'Toole was ousted as leader in a vote by Conservative MPs according to the terms of the Reform Act.{{Cite news|last=Tasker|first=John Paul|date=February 2, 2022|title=Conservative MPs vote to remove Erin O'Toole as leader|work=CBC News|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/otoole-leadership-vote-1.6336336|access-date=February 2, 2022}}{{Cite web|date=February 2, 2022|title=Caucus votes Erin O'Toole out as Conservative party leader|url=https://www.cp24.com/news/caucus-votes-erin-o-toole-out-as-conservative-party-leader-1.5764199|access-date=February 2, 2022|website=CP24|language=en}} By secret ballot, O'Toole was removed as leader by a margin of 73 votes to 45.{{Cite web|last1=Boutilier|first1=Alex|last2=Connolly|first2=Amanda|date=February 2, 2022|title=Erin O'Toole ousted as Conservative leader after caucus revolt|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/8588503/erin-otoole-ousted-in-caucus-revolt/|access-date=February 2, 2022|website=Global News|language=en-CA}}{{cite news |last1=Taylor |first1=Stephanie |title=Erin O'Toole voted out as leader by Conservative MPs |url=https://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/canada-news-pmn/canadian-press-newsalert-erin-otoole-voted-out-as-conservative-leader-by-mps |access-date=February 2, 2022 |work=National Post |date=February 2, 2022 |language=en}} The vote forced his removal, which took effect immediately.{{Cite news|last=Levitz|first=Stephanie|date=February 2, 2022|title=Erin O'Toole removed as Conservative leader in vote by MPs|language=en-CA|work=The Toronto Star|url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2022/02/02/erin-otoole-makes-final-appeal-to-keep-his-job.html|access-date=February 2, 2022|issn=0319-0781}}

In 2022, O'Toole expressed his belief that Chinese interference had played a role in the Conservative Party's loss during the 2021 Canadian federal election in an interview with Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith on Smith's UnCommons podcast. O'Toole opined that interference by Chinese Communist Party linked outfits could have cost the Conservatives up to "eight or nine seats."{{cite web |url=https://thehub.ca/2022-06-09/conservatives-lost-eight-or-nine-seats-in-last-election-due-to-chinese-interference-says-otoole/ |title=Conservatives lost 'eight or nine' seats in last election due to Chinese interference, says O'Toole |date=June 9, 2022 |access-date=2022-06-09}} In May 2023, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service informed O'Toole that he remained a target of the Chinese government due to his criticism of the Chinese Communist Party.{{Cite news |last1=Chase |first1=Steven |last2=Fife |first2=Robert |date=2023-05-26 |title=Former Conservative leader informed he is being targeted by Chinese government |language=en-CA |work=The Globe and Mail |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-former-conservative-leader-informed-he-is-being-targeted-by-chinese/ |access-date=2023-05-27}}

On March 31, 2023, O'Toole announced he would not seek re-election and would resign at the end of the parliamentary spring session.{{cite web |title=Former Conservative leader Erin O'Toole not seeking re-election, leaving this spring |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/former-conservative-leader-erin-o-toole-not-seeking-re-election-leaving-this-spring-1.6337219 |publisher=CTV News |website=www.ctvnews.ca/ |date=March 31, 2023 |access-date=31 March 2023}}{{cite web |title=Erin O'Toole, former Conservative leader, leaving politics: 'Honour of a lifetime' |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9592633/erin-otoole-resigns-leaves-politics/ |publisher=Global News |website=globalnews.ca/ |access-date=31 March 2023}} In his final speech to the House of Commons on June 12, 2023, O'Toole spoke out against political polarization and the influence social media has on it.{{cite news |last1=Levitz |first1=Stephanie |title=Erin O'Toole warns MPs they're on a dangerous path as he makes final House speech |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2023/06/12/erin-otoole-warns-mps-theyre-on-a-dangerous-path-as-he-makes-final-house-speech.html |access-date=July 4, 2023 |work=Toronto Star |publisher=Torstar |date=June 12, 2023}}{{cite news |author1=CBC News |title=O'Toole calls on MPs to reject 'performance politics' in final House speech |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/erin-otoole-parliament-1.6874067 |access-date=July 4, 2023 |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=June 12, 2023}} O'Toole was succeeded by Conservative Jamil Jivani in March 2024.https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/durham-federal-byelection-2024-1.7130853 {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}

O'Toole has been described as tending to be one of the more moderate members of his party.{{cite news |last1=Platt |first1=Brian |title=Meet Erin O'Toole, the new leader of the federal Conservative Party |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/meet-erin-otoole-the-new-leader-of-the-conservative-party |access-date=October 17, 2020 |work=National Post |publisher=Postmedia |date=August 24, 2020 |archive-date=April 15, 2021 |archive-url=http://wayback.vefsafn.is/wayback/20210415200814/https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/meet%2Derin%2Dotoole%2Dthe%2Dnew%2Dleader%2Dof%2Dthe%2Dconservative%2Dparty |url-status=live }} He supports a more moderate Conservative Party and has denounced the far-right, stating that they do not belong in his party.

File:Erin O'Toole - Agir pour le Québec (51178622418).jpg

O'Toole has stated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government should only spend what is necessary to help Canadians and balance the budget gradually over the next decade.{{cite news |last1=Platt |first1=Brian |title=Erin O'Toole warns that the Liberals may bankrupt the country to win the next election |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/erin-otoole-warns-that-the-liberals-may-bankrupt-the-country-to-win-the-next-election |access-date=September 25, 2020 |work=National Post |publisher=Postmedia |date=September 24, 2020 }} O'Toole is against a national childcare program, saying that he prefers giving families more childcare options rather than one federal one. In his 2021 platform, he proposed to replace the current child care funding with tax credits for parents. He also opposes a national pharmacare program, saying that the government should not replace billions already spent by insurance companies.

He also wants to reduce and simplify taxes, arguing that a complicated tax system benefits the wealthy, who can afford to find loopholes. He supports modifying Canada's equalization and fiscal stabilization systems, which he argues are presently unfair to Alberta.{{cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=Drew |title=Conservatives pitch fiscal reform to end 'mistreatment of Western Canadians' |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/conservatives-fiscal-stabilization-alberta-1.6095232 |access-date=August 19, 2021 |work=CBC News |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=July 8, 2021}} O'Toole supports a full review of government spending and a program in which all new spending must be accompanied by an equivalent reduction in spending elsewhere. He has called for an incentive to reduce employment insurance premiums that small and medium-sized businesses pay for new employees.

O'Toole supports reviewing the mandate for the CBC's English digital and television operations, possibly converting it into a PBS-style public interest model to ensure it does not compete with the private sector.{{cite news |last1=Taylor |first1=Stephanie |title='True blue' or not: Does Erin O'Toole still want to defund the CBC or just review it? |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal-election/2021/08/17/true-blue-or-not-does-erin-otoole-still-want-to-defund-the-cbc-or-just-review-it.html |access-date=August 17, 2021 |work=Toronto Star |agency=The Canadian Press |publisher=Torstar |date=August 17, 2021}} He argues the current competition with the private sector hurts other media companies, which is why he believes the $600-million print media bailout package would no longer be needed. He previously supported defunding these, being a major part of his 2020 Conservative leadership platform and popular with Conservative voters. He would not modify CBC Radio or its French language operations, stating they maintain their original public interest mandate.{{cite news |last1=Thomson |first1=Stuart |title=Defund the CBC and shower parents with cash: Four things Erin O'Toole has promised to do |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/defund-the-cbc-and-shower-parents-with-cash-four-things-erin-otoole-has-promised-to-do |access-date=August 25, 2020 |work=National Post |publisher=Postmedia |date=August 24, 2020 |archive-date=August 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20200827212107/https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/defund-the-cbc-and-shower-parents-with-cash-four-things-erin-otoole-has-promised-to-do |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Platt |first1=Brian |title=Erin O'Toole won the Tory leadership promising to 'defund CBC,' but will it work in a general election? |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/erin-otoole-won-the-tory-leadership-promising-to-defund-cbc-but-will-it-work-in-a-general-election |access-date=September 22, 2020 |work=National Post |publisher=Postmedia |date=September 22, 2020 |archive-date=July 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210701075054/https://nationalpost.com/news/erin-otoole-won-the-tory-leadership-promising-to-defund-cbc-but-will-it-work-in-a-general-election |url-status=live }} O'Toole previously supported modernizing the CBC without modifying funding.{{cite news |last1=Dickson |first1=Janice |title=O'Toole says he's not burning any bridges |url=https://ipolitics.ca/2017/01/16/otoole-says-hes-steering-clear-of-personal-attacks/ |access-date=August 26, 2020 |work=iPolitics |date=January 16, 2017 |archive-date=September 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915123839/https://ipolitics.ca/2017/01/16/otoole-says-hes-steering-clear-of-personal-attacks/ |url-status=live }}

To tackle Canada's housing crisis, O'Toole proposes to create one million new homes within three years, including converting at least 15 percent of federal buildings into housing space. He also supports banning foreign investors from buying Canadian homes for at least two years.{{cite news |last1=Boisvert |first1=Nick |title=Federal parties all say they'll make housing more affordable. Here's what we know about their plans |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/affordable-housing-2021-election-1.6145799 |access-date=August 19, 2021 |work=CBC News |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=August 19, 2021}}

A "Canadian values" test, like the one proposed by Kellie Leitch, is not supported by O'Toole. During the COVID-19 pandemic, O'Toole has proposed increased immigration through family reunification to make up for a decreased number of economic immigrants.{{cite news|last1=Dickson|first1=Janice|date=September 4, 2020|title=Canadians see Erin O'Toole's election as positive step for Conservative Party, Nanos survey shows|work=The Globe and Mail|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-canadians-see-erin-otooles-election-as-positive-step-for/|url-status=live|access-date=September 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905054739/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-canadians-see-erin-otooles-election-as-positive-step-for/|archive-date=September 5, 2020}} On illegal immigration, O'Toole supports creating a joint operation with the United States to stop asylum seekers from entering Canada illegally.{{cite news |last1=Alhmidi |first1=Maan |title=O'Toole mum on how many immigrants he would bring, promises tougher border measures |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/federal-election-2021/o-toole-mum-on-how-many-immigrants-he-would-bring-promises-tougher-border-measures-1.5585319 |access-date=September 26, 2021 |work=CTV News |agency=The Canadian Press |publisher=Bell Media |date=September 14, 2021}}

During the 2020 leadership election, O'Toole made a platform appealing specifically towards Quebec nationalists. O'Toole supports decentralizing the federal government's power in Quebec, having stated he is open to giving the province increased powers over immigration and opposing federal intervention to stop the Quebec ban on religious symbols, arguing that the independence of Quebec's legislature should be protected.{{cite news|last1=Dougherty|first1=Kevin|date=September 14, 2020|title=O'Toole's goal to 'triple' Conservative strength in Quebec built on promises of autonomy|work=iPolitics|url=https://ipolitics.ca/2020/09/14/otooles-goal-to-triple-conservative-strength-in-quebec-built-on-promises-of-autonomy/|url-status=live|access-date=September 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915023224/https://ipolitics.ca/2020/09/14/otooles-goal-to-triple-conservative-strength-in-quebec-built-on-promises-of-autonomy/|archive-date=September 15, 2020}}{{cite news|author1=The Canadian Press|date=September 14, 2020|title=Tory leader says he won't touch Quebec secularism law, supports Bill 101 expansion|work=CBC News|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/o-toole-quebec-bill-21-legault-1.5723466|url-status=live|access-date=September 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205125524/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/o-toole-quebec-bill-21-legault-1.5723466|archive-date=December 5, 2020}} He believes that large, federally regulated companies should be required to adhere to Quebec's Charter of the French Language.

O'Toole opposes the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and said the Supreme Court of Canada has "set a higher bar on the so-called duty to consult."{{cite news |last1=Stefanovich |first1=Olivia |title=O'Toole promises 'serious approach' to Indigenous reconciliation |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/erin-otoole-indigenous-agenda-1.5709516 |access-date=September 3, 2020 |work=CBC News |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=September 3, 2020 |archive-date=September 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903191918/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/erin-otoole-indigenous-agenda-1.5709516 |url-status=live }} After statues of John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister, were toppled in protests against systemic racism, O'Toole said that it would be "dooming Canada to forget its history" and that he preferred adding plaques to monuments describing a "more balanced look" of Canada's history instead of tearing them down. He had previously opposed the removal of a statue of Macdonald from Victoria's City Hall.{{cite news |last1=Levitz |first1=Stephanie |title=Learn the lessons of history, don't 'cancel' them, new Tory leader O'Toole says |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/learn-the-lessons-of-history-don-t-cancel-them-new-tory-leader-o-toole-says-1.5097712 |access-date=September 13, 2020 |work=CTV News |publisher=Bell Media |date=September 9, 2020 |archive-date=September 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913003359/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/learn-the-lessons-of-history-don-t-cancel-them-new-tory-leader-o-toole-says-1.5097712 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Wherry |first1=Aaron |title=Striking a pose: Canada and the politics of statues |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/erin-otoole-trudeau-statues-john-a-macdonald-1.5719601 |access-date=September 13, 2020 |work=CBC News |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=September 11, 2020 |archive-date=September 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913053916/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/erin-otoole-trudeau-statues-john-a-macdonald-1.5719601 |url-status=live }}

In November 2020, O'Toole gave a speech to young Conservative Party members at Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University) defending the university's namesake Egerton Ryerson. During the speech, he said the original goal of the Canadian Indian residential school system was "to provide education", but added that it became "a horrible program that really harmed people." In December 2020, he retracted his comments and stated Indigenous reconciliation is a priority for him.{{cite web |title=O'Toole backtracks, says residential school system 'was not' created to 'provide education' |last1=Gilmore |first1=Rachel |work=Global News |publisher=Corus Entertainment |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7525966/residential-schools-otoole-bellegarde-indigenous-backtrack/ |date=December 16, 2020 |access-date=January 5, 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Platt |first1=Brian |date=December 17, 2020 |title=O'Toole vows to build trust on reconciliation, regrets coming off as 'flippant and partisan' on residential schools |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/otoole-vows-to-build-trust-on-reconciliation-regrets-coming-off-as-flippant-and-partisan-on-residential-schools |work=National Post |publisher=Postmedia}}

File:Erin O'Toole - DSC08796 (51073783982).jpg

During the COVID-19 pandemic, O'Toole released a post-pandemic recovery plan. He promised to launch a royal commission on the issue within 100 days of taking office and said the "big government" strategy failed Canadians. He has proposed converting the existing child care expense deduction to a refundable tax credit.{{cite news |last1=Tasker |first1=John Paul |title=MacKay, O'Toole pitch pandemic recovery plans heavy on tax incentives, fiscal prudence |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mackay-otoole-jobs-plan-1.5588826 |access-date=August 26, 2020 |work=CBC News |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |archive-date=August 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200826050807/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mackay-otoole-jobs-plan-1.5588826 |url-status=live }} He supported extending Employment Insurance for workers after the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) ran out in summer 2021. O'Toole believes the CERB should have been used more effectively by the government and focused on sectors hit hardest by the pandemic. He proposed expanding the emergency loan program for businesses and temporarily amending bankruptcy laws to make company restructuring easier.

O'Toole supports unions, calling them "an essential part of the balance between what was good for business and what was good for employees". He believes a lack of unions gives too much power to corporate elites, who he has said would be "too happy to outsource jobs abroad".{{cite news |last1=Platt |first1=Brian |title=O'Toole slams outsourcing to China, calls for better conditions for workers |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/otoole-calls-for-better-conditions-for-workers-slams-outsourcing-to-china-in-speech |access-date=October 31, 2020 |work=National Post |publisher=Postmedia |date=October 30, 2020 |archive-date=February 11, 2021 |archive-url=http://wayback.vefsafn.is/wayback/20210211163450/https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/otoole%2Dcalls%2Dfor%2Dbetter%2Dconditions%2Dfor%2Dworkers%2Dslams%2Doutsourcing%2Dto%2Dchina%2Din%2Dspeech |url-status=live }}

After an anti-pipeline movement sparked rail blockades across Canada, O'Toole promised to make it a specific criminal offence to block them as well as entrances to businesses, airports, and seaports, though some opponents believe it unfairly targets them.{{Cite web|title=Erin O'Toole vows to increase criminal punishment for people who disrupt pipelines and railways|url=https://thenarwhal.ca/federal-election-2021-conservatives-pipeline-protests/|access-date=August 21, 2021|website=The Narwhal|date=August 19, 2021 |language=en}} He also plans on introducing a law to ensure free trade between Canada's provinces.

File:Erin O'Toole (51140636363).jpg

On carbon pricing, O'Toole would create an alternative system in addition to the current federal carbon tax for consumers which would put a surcharge on carbon into a "low carbon savings account", a tax-free savings account to be used on purchases to make consumers more environmentally friendly. Provincial governments would be allowed to choose between the two systems.{{cite news |last1=Ballingall |first1=Alex |last2=Levitz |first2=Stephanie |title=Erin O'Toole says the Liberals' carbon price won't automatically get scrapped if he is prime minister |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal-election/2021/09/14/erin-otoole-says-the-liberals-carbon-price-wont-automatically-get-scrapped-if-he-is-prime-minister.html |access-date=September 26, 2021 |work=Toronto Star |publisher=Torstar |date=September 14, 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Taylor |first1=Stephanie |title=Low-carbon bucks: Conservatives pitch consumer carbon pricing through savings account |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/low-carbon-bucks-conservatives-pitch-consumer-carbon-pricing-through-savings-account-1.5388541 |access-date=April 16, 2021 |work=CTV News |agency=The Canadian Press |publisher=Bell Media |date=April 15, 2021}} The surcharge O'Toole proposes is lower than that of the Trudeau government and O'Toole plans to offset that by other measures such as requiring 30 percent of light vehicles to be free of pollutants by 2030.

O'Toole's climate plan proposed to continue taxing industry and planned to raise the tax on industry as much as Trudeau intended to. He has said climate change is a global problem which requires a global solution. O'Toole committed to meeting Canada's Paris Agreement targets and has said he will partner with the provinces to do so. He supports net-zero emissions legislation as long as he considers it to "support Canadian industry" and has stated that he would like to partner with and pressure organizations to lower their emissions, including helping oil companies become carbon neutral.{{cite news |last1=Boutilier |first1=Alex |title=Conservatives have ignored the climate crisis at their peril – and party insiders say Erin O'Toole knows it |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2020/12/09/conservatives-have-ignored-the-climate-crisis-at-their-peril-and-party-insiders-say-erin-otoole-knows-it.html |access-date=December 17, 2020 |work=Toronto Star |publisher=Torstar |date=December 9, 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Levitz |first1=Stephanie |last2=Blanchfield |first2=Mike |title=Detailed Tory plan will 'probably' meet climate goals faster than Liberals, without a federal carbon tax: O'Toole |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/otoole-pushes-u-s-envoy-to-canada-to-preserve-line-5-keystone-xl-pipelines |access-date=February 13, 2021 |work=National Post |agency=The Canadian Press |publisher=Postmedia |date=February 11, 2021}} During his 2021 election campaign, O'Toole stated he would revert to earlier emissions targets, stating Trudeau has no plan to bring emissions down to more recent targets.{{cite news |last1=Hill |first1=Brian |title=O'Toole doubles down on promise to return Canada to old emissions target – despite experts' warnings |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/8153176/otoole-climate-change-greenhouse-gas-target/ |access-date=September 7, 2021 |work=Global News |publisher=Corus Entertainment |date=August 30, 2021}}

O'Toole supports ending Canada's energy imports from outside North America.{{cite news |last1=Ballingall |first1=Alex |title=What kind of prime minister would Erin O'Toole be? His 'true-blue' platform spells it out |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2020/08/24/what-kind-of-prime-minister-would-erin-otoole-be-his-true-blue-platform-spells-it-out.html |access-date=August 27, 2020 |work=Toronto Star |publisher=Torstar |date=August 24, 2020 |archive-date=August 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827174139/https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2020/08/24/what-kind-of-prime-minister-would-erin-otoole-be-his-true-blue-platform-spells-it-out.html |url-status=live }} He supports pipeline construction, arguing they "ignite" Canada's economy, though he has said that the proposed Energy East pipeline will not be constructed. He opposes the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act,{{Cite web |title=Oil Tanker Moratorium Act |url=https://openparliament.ca/bills/42-1/C-48/ |url-status=live |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=openparliament.ca |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109032715/https://openparliament.ca/bills/42-1/C-48/ }} the Impact Assessment Act and the Canadian Energy Regulator Act.{{cite news |last1=Turnbull |first1=Sarah |title=O'Toole says Energy East 'not on the table' after talking pipelines with Legault |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/o-toole-says-energy-east-not-on-the-table-after-talking-pipelines-with-legault-1.5104152 |access-date=September 14, 2020 |work=CTV News |publisher=Bell Media |date=September 14, 2020 |archive-date=September 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200914190050/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/o-toole-says-energy-east-not-on-the-table-after-talking-pipelines-with-legault-1.5104152 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=An Act to enact the Impact Assessment Act and the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, to amend the Navigation Protection Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts |url=https://openparliament.ca/bills/42-1/C-69/ |url-status=live |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=openparliament.ca |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111181159/https://openparliament.ca/bills/42-1/C-69/ }} He would introduce a National Strategic Pipelines Act to speed up approvals of pipelines deemed to be in Canada's national interest and repeal the related legislation introduced by the Trudeau government.{{cite news |last1=Curry |first1=Bill |last2=Dickson |first2=Janice |title=Conservative government would aim to erase deficit in a decade, Erin O'Toole says |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-conservative-government-would-aim-to-erase-deficit-in-a-decade-erin-o/ |access-date=November 2, 2020 |work=The Globe and Mail |date=September 3, 2020 |archive-date=October 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021214211/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-conservative-government-would-aim-to-erase-deficit-in-a-decade-erin-o/ |url-status=live }}

On March 20, 2021, O'Toole attempted to convince members to support a more serious agenda aimed at curbing climate change, saying that he did not want his candidates to be labelled as climate change deniers.{{Cite news| title = Canada's main opposition party members reject proposal to recognize climate change as real| work = Reuters| access-date = March 21, 2021 |date = March 20, 2021| url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-canada-politics-idUSKBN2BC0MN}} Despite this, the party's base rejected a motion adding "we recognize that climate change is real. The Conservative Party is willing to act", with 54% of delegates voting against it.{{Cite news| last = Levitz| first = Stephanie| title = Tory grassroots vote against putting line saying 'climate change is real' into policy| work = CTV News| access-date = March 21, 2021 |date = March 20, 2021| url = https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/tory-grassroots-vote-against-putting-line-saying-climate-change-is-real-into-policy-1.5355406}}

O'Toole's voting record on social issues has been described by The National Post as socially progressive. He is pro-choice on the matter of abortion, opposing legal restrictions on the practice, though he would hold free votes on bills related to abortion and other social issues.{{cite news |last1=Thibedeau |first1=Hannah |title=O'Toole attacks MacKay for saying he'd expect cabinet to vote against abortion bills |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/erin-otoole-peter-mackay-abortion-conservative-1.5478743 |access-date=August 25, 2020 |work=CBC News |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=February 27, 2020 |archive-date=August 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806143001/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/erin-otoole-peter-mackay-abortion-conservative-1.5478743 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Dehaas |first1=Josh |title=Where 14 Conservative leadership candidates stand on social issues |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/where-14-conservative-leadership-candidates-stand-on-social-issues-1.3267451 |access-date=August 27, 2020 |work=CTV News |publisher=Bell Media |date=February 1, 2017 |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101090209/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/where-14-conservative-leadership-candidates-stand-on-social-issues-1.3267451 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Levitz |first1=Stephanie |title=Conservatives' O'Toole says MPs can vote freely on conversion therapy ban, assisted dying bills |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/conservatives-o-toole-says-mps-can-vote-freely-on-conversion-therapy-ban-assisted-dying-bills-1.5136071 |access-date=October 7, 2020 |work=CTV News |publisher=Bell Media |date=October 7, 2020 |archive-date=October 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010155637/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/conservatives-o-toole-says-mps-can-vote-freely-on-conversion-therapy-ban-assisted-dying-bills-1.5136071 |url-status=live }} While he supports legislation which would allow health care practitioners to decline to offer treatment inconsistent with their philosophical views such as abortion stating they may be driven out of healthcare otherwise, he clarified that he believes they should be required to refer people to those services.{{Cite web|last=Boutilier|first=Alex|date=August 25, 2020|title=Erin O'Toole reaffirms pro-choice stance, says he'll 'defend rights' as Conservative leader|url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2020/08/25/erin-otoole-reaffirms-pro-choice-stance-says-hell-defend-rights-as-conservative-leader.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828232101/https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2020/08/25/erin-otoole-reaffirms-pro-choice-stance-says-hell-defend-rights-as-conservative-leader.html|archive-date=August 28, 2020|access-date=August 25, 2020|website=Toronto Star|language=en}}{{cite news |title=O'Toole says doctors must refer for services they object to, reversing pledge |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/federal-election-2021/o-toole-says-doctors-must-refer-for-services-they-object-to-reversing-pledge-1.5555102 |access-date=August 20, 2021 |work=CTV News |agency=The Canadian Press |publisher=Bell Media |date=August 20, 2021}} O'Toole voted against bill C-14, which made euthanasia legal, saying he continued to have concerns about it and would prefer resources be focused on palliative care.

O'Toole supports same-sex marriage and has pledged to walk in pride parades under the condition that uniformed police officers can as well. He supports ending restrictions on men who have sex with men donating blood and banning conversion therapy.{{cite news |last1=Tasker |first1=John Paul |title='I'm pro-choice,' O'Toole says as abortion issue emerges on the campaign trail |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/erin-otoole-pro-choice-conscience-rights-1.6146200 |access-date=August 19, 2021 |work=CBC News |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=August 19, 2021}}{{cite web| url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-conservative-government-would-aim-to-erase-deficit-in-a-decade-erin-o/| title=Conservative government would aim to erase deficit in a decade, Erin O'Toole says| first1=Bill| last1=Curry| first2=Janice| last2=Dickson| date=September 3, 2020| website=theglobeandmail.com| access-date=September 4, 2020| archive-date=September 4, 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904065306/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-conservative-government-would-aim-to-erase-deficit-in-a-decade-erin-o/| url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Levitz |first1=Stephanie |title=O'Toole accuses Liberals of deliberately introducing divisive anti-conversion bill at start of his leadership |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/federal-liberals-revive-bill-that-seeks-to-outlaw-forced-lgbtq-conversion-therapy |access-date=October 1, 2020 |work=National Post |publisher=Postmedia |date=October 1, 2020 |archive-date=September 21, 2021 |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20210921202134/http://nationalpost.com/news/canada/federal%2Dliberals%2Drevive%2Dbill%2Dthat%2Dseeks%2Dto%2Doutlaw%2Dforced%2Dlgbtq%2Dconversion%2Dtherapy |url-status=live }}

O'Toole initially pledged to repeal all gun law changes made by the Trudeau government, though he later stated that the firearms banned in May 2020 would remain banned. However, the current firearms classification system would undergo public review.{{Cite news|last=Zimonjic|first=Peter|date=September 6, 2021|title=O'Toole amends platform on gun control, but questions remain about what change means|work=CBC News|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/otoole-trudeau-gun-control-platform-change-1.6166354|access-date=September 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907004736/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/otoole-trudeau-gun-control-platform-change-1.6166354|archive-date=September 7, 2021}}

Before recreational cannabis use was legalized, O'Toole supported its decriminalization and during his 2017 leadership campaign, he said that Trudeau's plan to legalize it would be impossible to reverse.{{cite news |last1=Levitz |first1=Stephanie |title=Erin O'Toole and Kellie Leitch take divergent campaign approaches – Macleans.ca |url=https://www.macleans.ca/politics/erin-otoole-and-kellie-leitch-take-divergent-campaign-approaches/ |access-date=August 26, 2020 |work=Maclean's |date=April 17, 2017 |archive-date=November 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104154204/https://www.macleans.ca/politics/erin-otoole-and-kellie-leitch-take-divergent-campaign-approaches/ |url-status=live }} O'Toole opposes harsh punishments for drug offences, instead supporting treating drug addiction as a health issue rather than a criminal issue. Law enforcement would focus more on traffickers under O'Toole's proposal and he plans on funding drug rehabilitation.{{cite news |last1=Boutilier |first1=Alex |title=Erin O'Toole says drug offenders deserve help, not stiff penalties |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2021/01/25/erin-otoole-says-drug-offenders-deserve-help-not-stiff-penalties.html |access-date=January 25, 2021 |work=Toronto Star |publisher=Torstar |date=January 25, 2021}}{{cite news |title=Treat drug addiction as health, not criminal issue, O'Toole says in plan to tackle opioid crisis |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/conservative-opioids-addiction-mental-health-1.6149408 |access-date=August 22, 2021 |work=CBC News |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=August 22, 2021}}{{cite news |title=O'Toole to allow safe injection sites, fund opioid recovery centres |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/8132464/erin-otoole-opioid-crisis/ |access-date=August 22, 2021 |work=Global News |agency=The Canadian Press |publisher=Corus Entertainment |date=August 22, 2021}} Despite this, he does not support further drug legalization.

According to political science professor Peter McKenna, O'Toole's foreign policy, especially that towards dictatorships and the United Nations, is similar to that of former prime minister Stephen Harper. He has criticized Liberals for being too friendly with dictatorships and paying too much attention to the UN. McKenna noted that O'Toole wants Canada to advocate for human rights internationally and will remove funding from UN agencies which he believes have failed from a corruption and human rights standpoint.{{cite news |last1=McKenna |first1=Peter |title=Peter McKenna: What would an Erin O'Toole foreign policy look like? |url=https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/opinion/regional-perspectives/peter-mckenna-what-would-an-erin-otoole-foreign-policy-look-like-509361/ |access-date=October 16, 2020 |work=The Chronicle Herald |date=October 15, 2020 |archive-date=October 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017201858/https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/opinion/regional-perspectives/peter-mckenna-what-would-an-erin-otoole-foreign-policy-look-like-509361/ |url-status=live }} He supports harsher punishments for Canadians participating in human rights abuses and proposes the creation of an international human rights committee.{{cite news |title=Conservatives outline plan for 'bold' new international human rights agenda |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/conservatives-human-rights-agenda-1.6132728 |access-date=August 7, 2021 |work=CBC News |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=August 6, 2021}}

O'Toole opposes cutting Canada's foreign aid budget though he has said he would look to fund programs leading to measurable outcomes similar to prior Conservative policies.{{cite news |last1=Levitz |first1=Stephanie |title=Erin O'Toole says a Conservative government wouldn't cut foreign aid |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/erin-o-toole-says-a-conservative-government-wouldn-t-cut-foreign-aid-1.5349402 |access-date=March 17, 2021 |work=CTV News |agency=The Canadian Press |publisher=Bell Media |date=March 16, 2021 |language=en}} He supports a CANZUK, a political and economic union between Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, stating it will create more jobs for Canadians and help distance Canada from China.{{cite news |last1=Aiello |first1=Rachel |title=What has Erin O'Toole promised to do as Tory leader? |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/what-has-erin-o-toole-promised-to-do-as-tory-leader-1.5077126 |access-date=August 25, 2020 |work=CTV News |publisher=Bell Media |date=August 24, 2020 |archive-date=August 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200825000522/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/what-has-erin-o-toole-promised-to-do-as-tory-leader-1.5077126 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Free-trade area with U.K., Australia and N.Z. would create jobs for Canadians: Tories |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/federal-election-2021/free-trade-area-with-u-k-australia-and-n-z-would-create-jobs-for-canadians-tories-1.5571279 |access-date=September 7, 2021 |work=CTV News |agency=The Canadian Press |publisher=Bell Media |date=September 2, 2021}} He supports a "Canada First" strategy to promote domestic production of goods and economic self-sufficiency but says he is not as much of a protectionist as the former US president, Donald Trump. He supports meeting Canada's NATO commitments.{{cite news |last1=Stone |first1=Laura |title=For Tory leadership hopeful Erin O'Toole, a chance to win by being No. 2 |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/for-tory-leadership-hopeful-erin-otoole-a-chance-to-win-by-being-no-2/article33901922/ |access-date=August 26, 2020 |work=The Globe and Mail |date=February 3, 2017 |archive-date=May 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527201441/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/for-tory-leadership-hopeful-erin-otoole-a-chance-to-win-by-being-no-2/article33901922/ |url-status=live }} On Israel, he supports recognition of Jerusalem as the country's capital and plans to move Canada's Israeli embassy there from Tel Aviv.

O'Toole has spoken out against the Chinese government, singling it out as a bad actor on the international stage.{{cite news |last1=Boutilier |first1=Alex |title=Why does Erin O'Toole talk about China so much? |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2020/09/29/why-does-erin-otoole-talk-about-china-so-much.html |access-date=September 30, 2020 |work=Toronto Star |publisher=Torstar |date=September 29, 2020 |archive-date=October 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002064728/https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2020/09/29/why-does-erin-otoole-talk-about-china-so-much.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Curry |first1=Bill |title=Erin O'Toole lays out Conservative economic plan focused on fighting inequality |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-otoole-lays-out-conservative-economic-plan-focusing-on-fighting/ |access-date=October 31, 2020 |work=The Globe and Mail |date=October 30, 2020 |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031204421/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-otoole-lays-out-conservative-economic-plan-focusing-on-fighting/ |url-status=live }} He says there is a "growing influence of Chinese agents" in Canada meant to push Chinese propaganda and to intimidate Canadians. He supports passing a law similar to the Australian foreign interference law.{{cite news |last1=Tasker |first1=John Paul |title=As Conservatives call for crackdown, O'Toole calls Chinese influence a grave 'threat' to Canada |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/otoole-china-greatest-threat-1.5804972 |access-date=November 17, 2020 |work=CBC News |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=November 17, 2020 |archive-date=November 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117170216/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/otoole-china-greatest-threat-1.5804972 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Connolly |first1=Amanda |title=Intimidation of Canadians by China, other countries 'will not be tolerated': Champagne |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7467281/canada-huawei-decision-erin-otoole/ |access-date=November 17, 2020 |work=Global News |publisher=Corus Entertainment |date=November 17, 2020 |archive-date=November 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117143246/https://globalnews.ca/news/7467281/canada-huawei-decision-erin-otoole/ |url-status=live }} He has proposed tightening up foreign investment groups to deter state-owned companies from non-free countries from buying Canadian resources and companies unless there is a compelling reason to approve. He supports a tougher stance on China and imposing sanctions on Chinese Communist Party officials involved with human rights violations using provisions of the Sergei Magnitsky Law. He opposes China's treatment of Uyghurs, saying that the 2022 Winter Olympics should be relocated from Beijing owing to concerns that the Chinese government is committing genocide against Uyghurs.{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Ryan Patrick |title=O'Toole calls for relocation of 2022 Olympic Games out of China Social Sharing |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/o-toole-relocate-olympic-games-2020-1.5915318 |access-date=February 18, 2021 |work=CBC News |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=February 16, 2021}}{{Cite news|last=Taylor|first=Stephanie|date=June 23, 2021|title=O'Toole wants Trudeau to stand up to China at G7, push relocation of Beijing Olympics|work=The Toronto Star|publisher=The Canadian Press|url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/2021/06/04/otoole-wants-trudeau-to-stand-up-to-china-at-g7-push-relocation-of-beijing-olympics.html}} He has come out in support of the Trump administration's hard-line approach to China.{{cite news |last1=Kapelos |first1=Vassy |last2=Jones |first2=Ryan Patrick |author-link1=Vassy Kapelos |title=O'Toole says his 'Canada First' strategy means economic self-sufficiency, getting tough on China |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/erin-o-toole-pnp-interview-1.5716115 |access-date=September 9, 2020 |work=CBC News |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=September 8, 2020 |archive-date=September 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909010020/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/erin-o-toole-pnp-interview-1.5716115 |url-status=live }}

O'Toole supports banning Huawei from Canada's 5G networks, stating China controls the company and has stolen technology from Nortel, a defunct Canadian company.{{cite news |last1=Blanchfield |first1=Mike |title=Tories push Liberals to decide 5G, Huawei amid China imprisonment of Kovrig, Spavor |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/tories-push-liberals-to-decide-5g-huawei-amid-china-imprisonment-of-kovrig-spavor-1.5192347 |access-date=November 17, 2020 |work=CTV News |publisher=Bell Media |date=November 17, 2020 |archive-date=November 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117152324/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/tories-push-liberals-to-decide-5g-huawei-amid-china-imprisonment-of-kovrig-spavor-1.5192347 |url-status=live }} He would give other providers tax credits to replace their infrastructure and apply pressure to other countries to stop allowing Chinese state-owned companies from accessing their markets and has called on the Trudeau government to expedite entry of political refugees fleeing Hong Kong.{{cite news |last1=Levitz |first1=Stephanie |title=How would an O'Toole-led Conservative government handle the COVID-19 recovery? |url=https://www.cp24.com/news/how-would-an-o-toole-led-conservative-government-handle-the-covid-19-recovery-1.5085076 |access-date=August 31, 2020 |work=CP24 |publisher=Bell Media |date=August 30, 2020 |archive-date=August 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830215346/https://www.cp24.com/news/how-would-an-o-toole-led-conservative-government-handle-the-covid-19-recovery-1.5085076 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |work=Toronto Star |publisher=Torstar |access-date=October 17, 2020 |date=October 16, 2020 |first1=Tonda |last1=MacCharles |title=Erin O'Toole wants China's ambassador to Canada to publicly apologize to Canadians, or be kicked out |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2020/10/16/erin-otoole-wants-chinas-ambassador-to-canada-to-publicly-apologize-to-canadians-or-be-kicked-out.html |archive-date=October 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017001851/https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2020/10/16/erin-otoole-wants-chinas-ambassador-to-canada-to-publicly-apologize-to-canadians-or-be-kicked-out.html |url-status=live }}

Because of Canada's issues with the Chinese government, O'Toole seeks to improve relations with Taiwan and put "caveats" on the One-China policy.{{cite web |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6922009/erin-otoole-china-coronavirus-taiwan/ |date=May 10, 2020 |title=O'Toole vows to put 'caveats' on One China policy, urges 'reckoning' over coronavirus |work=Global News |access-date=October 21, 2020 |last1=Connolly |first1=Amanda |publisher=Corus Entertainment Company |archive-date=November 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105050641/https://globalnews.ca/news/6922009/erin-otoole-china-coronavirus-taiwan/ |url-status=live }} After Chinese Ambassador Cong Peiwu made remarks against Canada granting political asylum to pro-democracy protestors in Hong Kong, O'Toole said that it was a threat on Canadians and that he should be removed if he does not apologize for them.

File:Erin O'Toole - Mother’s Day (51178622048).jpg

O'Toole met his wife Rebecca in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1998, and they married in 2000.{{Cite news |last=Yuen |first=Jenny |date=November 27, 2012 |title=Conservatives hang on to Oda's Durham riding |newspaper=Toronto Sun |url=http://www.torontosun.com/2012/11/26/conservatives-expected-to-hang-on-to-odas-durham-riding-in-by-election |url-status=live |access-date=December 4, 2020 |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024123404/https://torontosun.com/2012/11/26/conservatives-expected-to-hang-on-to-odas-durham-riding-in-by-election }} He has a daughter and a son. As of 2021 they lived in Durham Region.{{cite news|work=The New York Times |last1=Austen |first1=Ian |title=To Unseat Trudeau, Canada's Top Conservative Leans Left |date=September 15, 2021 |access-date=November 18, 2024|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/15/world/canada/trudeau-election-erin-otoole.html}} O'Toole is a Catholic.{{cite news |last1=McCullough |first1=J.J. |title=Canada's Conservatives pick Erin O'Toole as leader – and reject the temptation to go left |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/08/24/canadas-conservatives-pick-erin-otoole-leader-reject-temptation-go-left/ |access-date=August 25, 2020 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=August 24, 2020 |archive-date=August 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200825000402/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/08/24/canadas-conservatives-pick-erin-otoole-leader-reject-temptation-go-left/ |url-status=live }} He founded True Patriot Love, a nonprofit supporting veterans, members of the military, and their families. In September 2020, O'Toole tested positive for COVID-19, after a staffer in his office tested positive.{{Cite news|last=Aiello|first=Rachel|date=September 18, 2020|title=Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole tests positive for COVID-19|work=CTV News|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/conservative-leader-erin-o-toole-tests-positive-for-covid-19-1.5111604|url-status=live|access-date=September 18, 2020|archive-date=September 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924012521/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/conservative-leader-erin-o-toole-tests-positive-for-covid-19-1.5111604}} His wife also later tested positive for COVID-19, after initially testing negative.{{Cite web|date=September 22, 2020|title=Erin O'Toole's wife tests positive for COVID-19|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/erin-o-toole-s-wife-tests-positive-for-covid-19-1.5115120|access-date=September 23, 2020|website=CTV News|language=en|archive-date=September 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923061101/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/erin-o-toole-s-wife-tests-positive-for-covid-19-1.5115120|url-status=live}} They were in self-isolation until September 30, at which point O'Toole returned to Parliament.{{cite news |last1=Harris |first1=Kathleen |title=O'Toole, Blanchet return to Commons after COVID-19 isolation |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/commons-return-otoole-blanchet-1.5744512 |access-date=September 30, 2020 |work=CBC News |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=September 30, 2020 |archive-date=October 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001022152/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/commons-return-otoole-blanchet-1.5744512 |url-status=live }}

In 2012, O'Toole was awarded the Christopher J. Coulter Young Alumnus Award by Dalhousie University, for his achievements and dedication to community service.{{cite web |last1=Weeren |first1=Marie |title=Alumni Association Awards celebrate outstanding alumni |url=https://www.dal.ca/news/2012/09/13/alumni-association-awards-celebrate-outstanding-alumni.html |website=Dalhousie University |access-date=November 1, 2018 |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103092104/https://www.dal.ca/news/2012/09/13/alumni-association-awards-celebrate-outstanding-alumni.html |url-status=live }}

Also in 2012, O'Toole received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/126-207197|title=Erin O'Toole, M.P.|first=Office of the Secretary to the Governor|last=General|website=The Governor General of Canada|access-date=October 22, 2019|archive-date=October 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022140656/https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/126-207197|url-status=live}} All serving MPs that year were recipients.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/first-60-canadians-set-to-receive-queens-diamond-jubilee-medal/article543871/|title=First 60 Canadians set to receive Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal|website=The Globe and Mail|date=February 5, 2012 |access-date=January 14, 2020|archive-date=September 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924153410/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/first-60-canadians-set-to-receive-queens-diamond-jubilee-medal/article543871/|url-status=live|last1=Ha |first1=Tu Thanh }}

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{{Commons category|Erin O'Toole}}

• {{Official website|erinotoolemp.com}}
• {{Canadian Parliament links|ID=18117}}

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Category:1973 births

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