PM Trudeau congratulates Candice Bergen on her new role, says he looks forward to speaking with Conservative MP

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he looks forward to speaking with Conservative MP Candice Bergen and congratulating her on her new role as the party's interim leader.

But Trudeau says he also plans to highlight the importance of cross-party co-operation and support for public health measures.

Bergen's predecessor, ousted Tory leader Erin O'Toole, struggled to bring his caucus together on issues like vaccine mandates.

Manitoba MP Candice Bergen is the new interim leader of the Conservative Party of Canada.

Conservative MPs chose Bergen for the role in a secret ballot Wednesday night after voting to remove Erin O'Toole from the top job earlier in the day.

She will serve as interim leader until the party membership chooses a new permanent leader.