Former business lobby head Blackburn confirms he is seeking Quebec Liberal leadership – Montreal [Video]

A former politician and head of an influential business lobby group is joining the race to be the next leader of the Quebec Liberals.

Karl Blackburn published an open letter Monday morning that says Quebec needs a new, inclusive style of leadership, and he will formally launch his campaign during a press conference in Quebec City this afternoon.

Blackburn says Quebec is currently on the wrong track, due to the Coalition Avenir Québec government’s record $13.6-billion deficit and policies that paint immigration as a threat.

He touts his more than 30 years of experience in business and politics, which include four years as a Liberal member of the provincial legislature, ending in 2007, and nearly five years as head of the Conseil du patronat du Québec — a position he resigned last week.