Scheer, Andrew (1979-…), is a Canadian politician. He has served as a Conservative member of Parliament (MP) in Canada’s House of Commons since 2004. From 2017 to 2020, Scheer was the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada.
Andrew James Scheer was born on May 20, 1979, in Ottawa, Ontario. In high school and later as a university student, he worked on several political campaigns. Scheer studied history and politics at the University of Ottawa and at the University of Regina in Saskatchewan. He completed a B.A. degree from the University of Ottawa in 2008. In 2003, Scheer married Jill Ryan. The couple have five children together. Early in his career, Scheer worked briefly in the insurance industry.
Scheer was first elected as a federal member of Parliament in 2004. He ran as a Conservative in the Saskatchewan riding (electoral district) of Regina-Qu’Appelle. Scheer was reelected in the same riding in the next six federal general elections, including the 2021 election.
From June 2011 to December 2015, Scheer also served as the speaker of the House of Commons. At 32 years of age, he was the youngest person ever elected to that position. The speaker presides over debate in the House. Scheer drew upon his earlier experience as an assistant deputy speaker, then as deputy speaker, positions he held while serving as a member of Parliament. 
The Liberal Party, led by Justin Trudeau, won the federal general election held in October 2015. The Conservatives placed second and became the official opposition party. Members of Parliament elected a Liberal MP as the new speaker of the House. Interim Conservative Party leader Rona Ambrose chose Scheer as opposition House leader. A House leader serves as the party spokesperson for matters concerning the scheduling of House business.
In September 2016, Scheer resigned as opposition House leader to be a candidate in an upcoming contest for Conservative Party leader. Scheer’s campaign emphasized building consensus (general agreement) within the party. He also favored smaller government and lower taxes. In a close contest, party members elected Scheer as their leader on May 27, 2017. As Conservative Party leader, Scheer continued to support lower taxes. He also opposed using a national carbon tax (price levied on greenhouse gas emissions) to address climate change.
The Conservatives, led by Scheer, lost the 2019 federal general election to the Liberals. After the election, Scheer announced his intention to resign as party leader as soon as a new leader could be elected. Erin O’Toole succeeded Scheer as head of the party on Aug. 24, 2020.
From 2020 to 2022, Scheer served as Conservative shadow minister for infrastructure and communities. Shadow ministers are members of the official opposition who are assigned as critics of government ministers. In 2022, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre made Scheer the opposition House leader again.
