CALGARY — Liberal MP Marc Garneau spent the weekend in Calgary testing the political waters as he mulls a possible run for the federal party’s leadership.

The house leader arrived in the city on Saturday to meet with party stalwarts, campaign veterans and potential voters as part of trip across the Prairie provinces.

“I’m doing my homework before I jump in,” Garneau said in an interview.

The Westmount—Ville-Marie MP has openly expressed leadership aspirations since Michael Ignatieff stepped down following last year’s federal election. However, he’s yet to formally declare a bid.

Last week, Ignatieff said both Garneau and fellow Quebec MP Justin Trudeau have what it takes to be Canada’s next prime minister.

Thankful for his former boss’s support, Garneau said: “It’s another indication that I’m on the right track.”

Daryl Fridhandler, a Calgary lawyer with long-standing ties to the Liberal party, said he believes Garneau has the right policies and character to lead the Grits.

“Garneau is an impressive guy, not simply because he was Canada’s first astronaut,” he said.

“A lot of people will warm to him. He’s not as dry as I expected.”

Meanwhile, Garneau believes his focus on economic innovation will resonate with voters. Canada has done well developing its natural resources, he said, but the Harper government has failed to promote the country’s creative and knowledge-based economies.

“We’re getting our pants beaten off us by our competitors when it comes to innovation,” said Garneau, who is the party’s industry, science and technology critic. “We can do a lot better.”

Garneau was quick to clarify that his interests aren’t limited to the East, having previously served as a board member of the Calgary-based company formerly known as UTS Energy for two years.

“I got to understand what is a major economic engine here in Alberta,” he said. “I understand and support the oilsands development — in a responsible way.”

Garneau also touted his links to the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta from serving as president of the Canadian Space Agency, and holding connections to the Defence Research and Development Canada Suffield near Medicine Hat as a result of an extended stint in the navy.

“I do know Alberta,” Garneau said.

Still, he admits it will be an uphill battle to convince Albertans to vote for the federal Grits.

The last time a Liberal represented the city in the House of Commons was Pat Mahoney back in 1968.

But Garneau is “right to be doing his homework” in the prairie provinces, said Mount Royal University political analyst David Taras.

“You can’t win the leadership without appealing beyond your own region,” Taras said, adding Calgary will be a critical battleground.

Leadership candidates have until Jan. 14, 2013, to file a nomination form, prior to an election slated for April.

Four candidates have already declared intentions to run, including Trudeau who is widely seen as the front-runner.

While he brings credibility and experience to the table, Taras wondered whether Garneau could overcome Trudeau’s popularity.