CALGARY — Global News says it has learned that former cabinet minister Gary Mar will run to become premier of Alberta.
Mar would be the fifth person to vie for Ed Stelmach’s job when he steps down in September.
Mar is serving as Alberta’s representative in Washington, D.C. Global News says Mar will make a formal announcement next week.
Political analyst Duane Bratt of Mount Royal University says Mar has some key advantages including a large amount of funding and a good campaign team.
Most importantly, Bratt says Mar has no political baggage.
“He’s not associated with the Stelmach government,” says Bratt. “A true die-hard Tory but without any connection to the current unpopular government. You put all that in a package and he will be a force to be reckoned with.”
Global News also reports that Rod Love, former premier Ralph Klein’s chief of staff, will serve as one of Mar’s key advisors. Mar served in health and education portfolios under Klein.
The others running for the leadership of the Alberta Conservatives are Ted Morton, Doug Horner, Alison Redford and Doug Griffiths.