Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory says he's still working on finding a seat in the Ontario legislature by the end of this year.
Tory won't comment on growing rumours that he intends to stay on as Conservative leader, even if he can't meet his self-imposed year-end deadline to find a riding in which he can run for a seat.
None of his caucus members has been willing to step aside, and Tory calls questions about possible Senate appointments for one of his veteran caucus members hypothetical.
But he vows to find a seat, saying he wants to "get this resolved by the end of the year" and "is working to that end right now."
The Progressive Conservative leader lost his seat in a head-to-head battle against Education Minister Kathleen Wynne in last year's Ontario election.
Tory insists "the overwhelming majority" of his caucus wants him to stay and lead the party into the next election in 2011.
Meanwhile, Bob Runciman, Opposition leader for the PCs at Queen's Park, said Thursday the Liberal government should meet next week with all parties to talk about how to improve Ontario's ailing economy.
But deputy premier George Smitherman shot down that idea, saying the government can talk with the other parties at any time.
The legislative session will end Thursday and the parties aren't expected to be back at the legislature until at least mid-February.
The Progressive Conservatives and NDP say that's a bad idea when people are worried about their jobs and savings.