SAINTE MARIE DE BEAUCE, Que. – Quebec MP Maxime Bernier has officially launched his campaign to become the Conservative party’s next leader.
Bernier told a packed stadium in his home riding of Beauce this morning that he would run a small government if elected.
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He also said he would lower taxes and make more efforts to pay down the debt.
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While Bernier, 53, and Ontario MP Kellie Leitch are the only official candidates for the party’s top job, they likely won’t be alone.
Ontario MP Michael Chong has scheduled a news conference for Monday where he is expected to enter the race.
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Other Tories said to be contemplating a run for the leadership include Tony Clement and Lisa Raitt.
The Conservatives will vote for a new leader on May 27, 2017.