Calgary Liberal MP endorses Mark Carney ahead of expected leadership announcement in Edmonton

Calgary’s only sitting Liberal MP is out with an endorsement for Mark Carney as the party’s new leader, a day before he is set to make an announcement in Edmonton.

In a letter posted to social media in the early hours of Wednesday, Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal says former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney is the right person for the job.

“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 wrote.

He seemed to confirm suspicions Thursday’s announcement in Edmonton will see Carney announcement his intention to run in the race to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The Calgary MP compared Carney to former PM Lester B. Pearson, calling him “a great public servant.”

Carney was born in Fort Smith, NWT, raised in Edmonton, and graduate from the capital’s St. Francis Xavier High School.

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

He added that Carney’s father ran in Edmonton as a candidate in the 1980 federal election, showing “commitment” and “courage.”

“Mark Carney is not a career politician, his commitment has been to country, community, faith and family,” Chahal said.

Justin Trudeau announced last week his decision to resign as prime minister and the leader of the Liberal Party following a leadership contest, ending rampant speculation and months of political turbulence.

Carney has been on the name of potential successors since Trudeau’s announcement, amongst the like of former Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland and Government House leader Karina Gould.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Transport Minister Anita Anand, and former B.C. premier Christy Clark, have all ruled out leadership runs.

Carney and Chahal are expected to speak from Edmonton Thursday afternoon.