Joel Etienne, failed Conservative leadership candidate, resolves issue with party

OTTAWA — A failed candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada’s leadership says he will put his efforts to appeal the decision to rest.

In a joint statement with the party, Joel Etienne says he spoke with senior officials about his concerns with the selection process.

Etienne was one of three candidates who mounted a run but did not succeed in getting verified.

Earlier in the week, his campaign expressed dismay at his rejection, saying Etienne had raised the necessary $300,000 and garnered the required 500 signatures to run, but was turned away by the party nonetheless.