Sask. MP Andrew Scheer ready for political battle with Kevin O'Leary

Andrew Scheer is ready to go up against Kevin O’Leary.

The reality TV star and Canadian businessman entered the Conservative leadership race Wednesday.

Scheer, a Regina MP, wonders whether Canadians are ready for O’Leary’s style.

“I don’t think Canadians will warm up to that. We are not Americans, we like a little humility in our public figures,” Scheer said.

“We don’t mind people who are successful, we don’t mind people who point to a track record of success but when people talk a lot about how great they are and how wonderful they are, I think it is going to turn people off.”

O’Leary entered the Conservative leadership race the day after a televised French language debate in Quebec.

In a statement on his website on Jan. 3, 2017, Scheer predicted O’Leary was stalling on announcing his leadership bid to avoid that debate.

O’Leary doesn’t speak French.

“There is really no excuse. I don’t think it is a hallmark of leadership to avoid a debate like that,” Scheer argued.

So far Scheer has the most endorsement from MPs in the Conservative Party.

The deadline for candidates to enter the race is Feb. 24.

There are 14 contenders so far.