With the announcement made Thursday about Andrew Scheer's decision to step down from the Conservative Party's federal leadership, Portage-Lisgar M.P. Candice Bergen shares her reaction.

"He told the leadership team this morning (Thursday), and then he told caucus about mid-morning," explains Bergen. "We were, I think, scared to say, shocked. We were all expecting that we were going to be working with Andrew. We appreciate so much his leadership, and what he brought us through over the election. And even though the result wasn't what we wanted, we felt that we've stayed unified."

She notes they remained a strong opposition, and made some gains, much of which was due to Scheer's leadership.

Bergen explains that he told them in a heartfelt manner that his family was his priority, and this makes it hard for him to run for Prime Minister. She adds she respects him greatly, as well as his decision, but she says she cannot be honest without saying that it's hard to see him step down. Bergen says she very much likes working with Scheer, and feels he's a very competent and good person.

"Well, you know, I think that there were people that weren't happy with some of the things during the election, the way the election and campaign rolled out," adds Bergen. "I think that it's fair to say that there has to be, what it should have been, some changes. And there is a review going on with that. But I think that certainly he was thinking about that. But I think his decision really has to do with, 'I'm looking forward, and deciding, 'Hey, can I give this a 120 per cent that requires, or do I want to have some of myself left for my children and my wife'.' And that's why he made the decision that he did."

Bergen notes she is House leader, and there is currently much going on with that task. She says she's honoured to be one of the leaders of the party, and has her focus set there. So, the thoughts of herself becoming party leader are not on her mind. Bergen adds discussion about leadership and much conversation will take place in the future, but not today.