The Yukon’s Conservative senator, Dan Lang, says newly-elected federal leader Andrew Scheer clearly had a well-organized campaign.

It’s one which put forward policies which resonated with party members across the country.

“We shouldn’t be that surprised,” Lang said this morning in an interview.

He noted that Scheer’s campaign was somewhat “under the radar,” but echos his first run in federal politics.

In 2004, Scheer beat out NDP MP Lorne Nystrom, the longest serving member of the House of Commons, for the riding of Regina - Au’Appelle.

Over the years, he would become Speaker of the House of Commons from 2011 to 2015.

Last September, he announced his plans to seek the Conservative leadership.

On Saturday, it took 13 rounds of voting before Scheer was declared the winner with 51 per cent of the vote over Maxime Bernier – who visited Whitehorse during the campaign.

Lang, who had not publicly endorsed a candidate throughout the leadership race, said the results and numerous voting rounds show just how successful each of the campaigns had been.

At the end of the day, he noted, the party is united under Scheer’s leadership.

“Members made the decision,” he said.

While Scheer did not make any visits to the North during his campaign for the leadership, Lang said he anticipates the North will remain a major priority for the party as it has been for many years.

He highlighted the work that was achieved under federal Conservative governments, as he described, being a “chief architect” of the North – in the Yukon through projects like the construction of the Dempster Highway, the Mayo B transmission line and many more over the years.

He also argued the annual northern tour by former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper helped to make the North a priority at the federal level.

Lang said it “would be my expectation” regular visits to the North would continue for the new Conservative leader.

Meanwhile, the territory’s Liberal MP, Larry Bagnell, noted today that while he and Scheer have obvious differences politically, he’s gotten along well with the ex-Speaker when they’ve spoken in the past and in dealings in the house.

“He’s personal and respectful,” Bagnell said,.

He’s hopeful his party and the Conservatives will work in co-operation with the Conservatives under Scheer’s leadership.

“I think we can work together,” he said.

He noted Scheer’s stance on policies are similar to Harper’s.

While Bagnell said he hasn’t gotten a clear indication on Scheer’s thoughts for policies on the North, given the similarity with Harper’s views, Scheer’s leadership may well consider the region.

Former Yukon MP Ryan Leef, who managed Bernier’s campaign in the territory, could not be reached for comment by press time this afternoon.

Stacy Hassard, the interim leader of the Yukon Party, and several fellow MLAs endorsed Erin O’Toole as leader.

Former premier Darrell Pasloski endorsed Lisa Raitt.

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