Mark Carney to launch bid for the Liberal leadership in Edmonton on Thursday

Mark Carney will launch his candidacy for the Liberal Party leadership at an event in Edmonton on Thursday, according to a notice from Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal.  

The former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England will join Ottawa MP Chandra Arya, Nova Scotia MP Jaime Battiste and Former Liberal MP Frank Baylis, who have already declared, in the race.

"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 said in an email to supporters.

"Mark Carney is not a career politician; his commitment has been to country, community, faith and family," he added. 

The announcement comes two days after Carney seemingly soft-launched his campaign for the leadership during an appearance on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart on Monday evening. 

The Liberal Party will choose their next leader — and Canada's next prime minister — on March 9. Hopefuls have until Jan. 23 to declare their candidacy. People can register with the party to vote in the leadership race up until Jan. 27.

Chahal's announcement bills Carney as a Liberal candidate in the mould of Lester B. Pearson, "a great public servant who sought elected office after an accomplished career."

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Despite Alberta being a Conservative stronghold, Carney is launching his campaign in the province to draw attention to his roots there — a place where he grew up and went to high school. Carney was born in Fort Smith, N.W.T. 

"Growing up in Alberta has instilled in Mark the spirit of hard work and perseverance that unites us all across the province," the Chahal's announcement said. "This background gives him a unique perspective to best represent the interests of all Canadians."

The news comes a day after Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne and former B.C. premier Christy Clark each announced they were not running.