Brad Trost calls Kevin O'Leary 'a chicken' for missing French debate

Federal Conservative Party leadership candidate Brad Trost said that Kevin O'Leary's entry into the leadership race the day after a French-language debate shows a lack of courage.

Trost, the Conservative member of Parliament for the riding of Saskatoon-University, is one of 14 people seeking to lead the party. O'Leary confirmed his participation Wednesday, following Tuesday night's French-language candidates debate.

• Kevin O'Leary makes late entry into Conservative leadership race

"I think Mr. O'Leary is going to impact the race," Trost said, adding he believes O'Leary will have the strongest impact on the campaigns of Kellie Leitch and Maxime Bernier.

Trost characterized O'Leary as having views on some topics that are more in line with the Liberal party.

"He's a Liberal on social issues: pro-marijuana,  pro-abortion. Not a social conservative. So for candidates like me his impact is immaterial," Trost said.

"I'm a very different Conservative than O'Leary."

He also criticized O'Leary's decision to enter the contest after the French-language debate.

"Let's be blunt. He's being a bit of a chicken," said Trost, who participated in the debate.

"Everyone knows my French is awful," he said. "Where's his courage?"

• Gloves come off in French-language Conservative leadership debate

Trost said he continues to work on his French-language skills. He has written social media posts and done interviews in French.

The Conservatives vote for a new party leader on May 27.