Addressing his party’s MPs and senators for the first time since winning the federal Tory leadership, Erin O’Toole says he’ll lead a compassionate, intelligent party committed to better reflecting Canada’s population.

”Through respect, professionalism and the pursuit of excellence, we will show all Canadians that we are a government in waiting,” O’Toole added.

He says the party’s new mission statement is ”through adversity, to the stars,” drawing on the Latin phrase Per ardua ad astra, which was the motto of the Royal Canadian Air Force until 1968.

Alberta Conservative MP Tim Uppal says there’s much excitement in the caucus that’s ”completely focused on helping Canadians first of all, but also defeating Justin Trudeau and giving Canadians the government they deserve.”