Former Quebec Premier Jean Charest to launch Conservative leadership campaign

A former premier of Quebec has announced his plans to run for the federal Conservative leadership and will be doing so in Calgary.

Jean Charest, who led Quebec from 2003 to 2012, made the announcement on Thursday, telling party members he can win the election. It will be the first time he has entered federal politics in more than 20 years.

Let’s be proud to be ambitious.

Let’s be proud to be united.

Let’s be proud to be conservative.

If you agree – join the team that’s #BuiltToWin. https://t.co/VBHtjJ3VRW #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/1O4p4Y12VB

— Jean Charest (@JeanCharest_) March 10, 2022

After back-to-back-to-back losses to Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the Conservatives are looking for any way to find themselves a victory. And with Trudeau holding a minority government in the House of Commons, an election could realistically be triggered at any point.

“He has governed with a commitment to conservative principles like balanced budgets, smaller government, and championed tax relief and policies for families. This record won him three consecutive elections,” says Charest’s campaign site.

By launching in Calgary, Charest also hopes to bring a message of national unity and signal support to party members who are concerned about Western alienation. Some Alberta and Saskatchewan MPs who recently attended a reception for Charest in Ottawa acknowledged the former Quebec premier could be in for a tough fight with the region’s grassroots.

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The Conservatives hold 30 out of 34 seats in Alberta, considered part of the Tory heartland, and home of the country’s last Conservative prime minister, Stephen Harper.

Other declared candidates in the Conservative leadership race include rookie Ontario MP Leslyn Lewis and Independent Ontario MPP Roman Baber.

Conservatives will learn who their new leader is Sept. 10, and candidates have until April 19 to declare they’re running and June 3 to submit new membership applications.

– With files from the Canadian Press