Former Quebec Premier Jean Charest will confirm this Thursday in Calgary that he is officially launching the race for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC).
It would be a return of Mr. Charest in federal politics in more than 20 years.
On Thursday morning, he launched his presence on social networks by presenting his “Build to win” campaign.
Jean Charest, now 63, entered the House of Commons in 1984 after being elected under the banner of the Progressive Conservative government of Brian Mulroney. He had become a minister even before reaching the age of 30.
This politician, a native of Sherbrooke, even led the Conservatives for several years, until 1998, when he left federal politics to lead the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) on the provincial scene.
Jean Charest was Premier of Quebec from 2003 to 2012, before being defeated following major student protests.
Mr. Charest will face in particular the well-known MP for the Ottawa region, Pierre Poilievre, who was the first to officially launch the race for the leadership of the Conservative Party.
Since Mr. Charest’s name has been circulating behind the scenes, Mr. Poilievre has quickly portrayed his future opponent as being in favor of policies like federal carbon pricing, which several members of the party oppose.
As Premier of Quebec, Mr. Charest launched a program to cap and trade GHG emissions.
Mr. Charest’s campaign team confirmed that he informed the party president on Wednesday of his intention to enter the leadership race. He will make the official announcement on Thursday evening in a Calgary brasserie.
After this launch, Jean Charest must go to Vancouver on Friday.
The Conservatives hold 30 of the 34 seats in Alberta, considered the core of the Conservative Party, as does neighboring Saskatchewan, where the party holds all the seats.
Other declared candidates for the Conservative Party leadership race include new Ontario MP Leslyn Lewis and independent Ontario MP Roman Baber.
Leadership aspirants to succeed Erin O’Toole have until April 19 to submit their candidacy.