Mark Carney to announce run to become next Liberal leader

Carney is set to announce his leadership campaign at an event in Edmonton on Thursday, according to a press release from Calgary Liberal MP George Chahal.

Mark Carney is set to hold an event Thursday where he is expected to announce he’s running to replace Justin Trudeau as the leader of the Liberal Party and the next prime minister of Canada.

Calgary Liberal MP George Chahal’s office said in a statement Wednesday that the MP will join Carney “for his much anticipated campaign launch in Edmonton” on Thursday.

In a letter to supporters inviting them to attend the event, Chahal the former central banker is “not a career politician” and that his background gives him “a unique perspective to best represent the interests of all Canadians.”

“In an era of global challenges, in a time of economic opportunity, Mark Carney has the experience required and the leadership skills needed to meet those challenges and take advantage of the opportunities,” Chahal’s email said.

Veteran political strategist Stephen Carter also confirmed Thursday’s event to Global News and said he will be working on Carney’s campaign.

Carney teased his potential leadership bid when he sat down with Jon Stewart on The Daily Show Monday night, where he talked about a range of issues including the future of the Liberal Party.

In the interview, he referred to himself as an “outsider” in the political realm. When asked what kind of leader could give the Liberals a chance at winning the next election, he said, “In a situation like this, you need change. You need to address the economy.”

Earlier this month, Global News reported that in the days following Trudeau’s announcement that he intends to resign, Carney has spent many hours on the phone with Liberal MPs seeking their advice and support for a run at the leadership of the federal Liberal Party, should that job come open in the coming days.