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De Jong joins Liberal race

British Columbia's former finance minister Mike de Jong has announced his bid for the provincial Liberal leadership, joining a race that already includes two other past cabinet ministers and the former mayors of B.C.'s two largest cities.

De Jong made his decision official Tuesday, saying his goal is to re-energize a free-enterprise coalition.

It's his second run at the post. He lost to former premier Christy Clark in 2011.

"By bringing together an expanded and diverse team of new supporters, we can develop an exciting vision for our province’s future that builds upon our record of having established B.C. as Canada’s leading economy," de Jong said in a news release.

Supporters include former Liberal cabinet ministers Teresa Wat and Pat Bell, as well as legislature members John Martin and Simon Gibson.

De Jong, who has served in the legislature for more than 23 years, said he can rebuild the party, which was ousted from office following last spring's election after a 16 years in power.

As finance minister under Clark, de Jong tabled five consecutive balanced budgets even as most other Canadian jurisdictions were in deficit, although experts also note B.C.'s child poverty rate was among the highest in the country.

The race to replace Clark is growing crowded, with as many as eight candidates expected to declare by the end of the week.

Former Liberal cabinet ministers Andrew Wilkinson and Mike Bernier announced their candidacies Monday, while past transportation minister Todd Stone indicated he is seriously considering a leadership bid.

Conservative MP Dianne Watts, well known in the Metro Vancouver area as a multi-term former mayor of Surrey, entered the race Sunday and is seen as a strong candidate despite never being elected to the legislature.

Backbencher Sam Sullivan, a former Vancouver mayor, entered the race last week and recently elected legislature member Michael Lee of Vancouver-Langara and Terrace businesswoman Lucy Sager are also seen as a potential candidates.

The party will elect its new leader in February.



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