Conservative MPs predict electoral boost from Trudeau’s stand on abortion

OTTAWA – Some Conservative MPs are hoping Justin Trudeau’s recent pro-choice edict for Liberal candidates helps them in the next election by chasing away some rivals and hurting others.

The Liberal leader has declared that prospective candidates must agree to vote in favour of a woman’s right to choose whenever such issues arise in the Commons.

Conservative rivals say that will make it tricky for pro-life Liberals to mount an effective challenge, and could deliver crucial votes to the Tories in close races.

A case in point is Mississauga South, a Toronto-area riding held by Conservative Stella Ambler, who opposes abortion. The Liberals have approved one potential candidate so far, community activist Julie Desjardins, who also happens to be pro-life.

Ambler says the Liberals will have a tough time in a riding with an overwhelmingly Christian voter base.

Desjardins, a chartered accountant, disagrees, saying the Conservatives have had years to take action against abortion, but have done nothing.