Conservative leadership hopeful Brad Trost questions Andrew Scheer about social conservatism

Saskatchewan Member of Parliament and Conservative leader hopeful Brad Trost says his policies make him a true social conservative choice.

"I've got about five or six policy platform items that will be of interest to social conservatives," Trost said in Ottawa on Monday.

Trost wouldn't go into detail what his policy platform planks will bebut would only say "euthanasia, abortion and a couple of other issues," will be included.

"These are things I believe. When you see my policy platforms they will demonstrate they are social conservative proposals that are not only popular inside the Conservative party but the general public."

First elected in 2004,Trosthas been vocal on manyissues, including same-sex marriage.

Recently, Trost's campaign started running ads with a picture of two fingers side by side, with the message "Marriage is the union of one man, one woman."

He's also takingaim at fellow Saskatchewan MP Andrew Scheer, who also recently entered the leadership race. Trost says thatcomments he's read of lateleads him to believe Scheer is not a truesocial conservative.

When Scheerlaunched his leadership campaign last week, he indicated that abortion and same-sex marriage were issues he considered resolved within the party and he would not re-visit them.

"I don't think he's taking a pro-life stand in this campaign," said Trost. "I'm not sure if Mr. Scheer is a social conservative. That's something he's going to have to deal with. One of the social conservative groups referred to his statements the other day as pro-abortion."

In response to Trost'slatest volley, Scheer simply said "no comment."

Trost also sounded off on Harper's time asPrime Minister, saying the he doesn't believe Harper was a social conservative either.

"I disagree with Mr. Harper's approach," Trost said. "Regardless of where you come from as a Conservative you should always say what is the best policy. That should be your first question. The best policy is always the Conservative policy."

Trost says he'll clearly define his platform views later this month.

Candidates vying to lead Canada's Official Opposition will come together in Saskatoon for their first debate in November.

The contendersso far

Candidate who has declared, registered and paid the full fee

• Michael Chong

Candidates who have declared and registered

• Maxime Bernier
• Tony Clement
• Kellie Leitch
• Deepak Obhrai
• Andrew Scheer

Potential candidates who have declared only

• Dan Lindsay
• Pierre Lemieux
• Adrienne Snow
• Brad Trost

Expected to declare soon

• Chris Alexander
• Steven Blaney

Others who have mused about running but not declared

• Kevin O'Leary
• Erin O'Toole
• Rick Peterson
• Lisa Raitt

The debate will be held at 7 p.m. CST on Nov. 9. Tickets go on sale on Oct. 6.