Poilievre defends Paterson after conversion therapy controversy raised

Poilievre dismissed the concerns, saying Paterson renounced conversion therapy years ago. 

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is standing by his Kingston and the Islands candidate, Bryan Paterson, after reports resurfaced about his past involvement with a church where conversion therapy was practiced.

Speaking in the riding for the second time in two days, Poilievre dismissed the concerns, saying Paterson renounced conversion therapy years ago. 

The Whig-Standard says he called the allegations "old news" and insisted the question was inaccurate.

The issue comes as multiple candidates have been forced out of the race over past controversial statements. Four Conservative candidates and one Liberal candidate have either dropped out or been removed by their parties.

Poilievre did not criticize Paterson but instead defended the Conservative Party’s vetting process, calling it the strongest among all parties. He emphasized the party has zero tolerance.

Paterson remains in the race as Poilievre continues his campaign stops in Kingston ahead of the upcoming election.