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OTTAWA — In a Facebook post first thing Sunday morning, the NDP’s finance critic, Guy Caron, announced he is stepping away from his shadow cabinet position to consider a leadership bid.

Caron said in the post he will announce a decision by the end of February, and believes someone else should step into the finance role ahead of this year’s federal budget.

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“Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to engage in discussions with activists and families across the country regarding the future of our party,” the post reads.

“These passionate and constructive conversations continue to fuel my deliberations with respect to my own contribution to building a better and more progressive Canada.”

Caron was also responsible for critiquing the government on the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

A spokesman for the NDP said they were aware of Caron’s decision and Quebec MP Alexandre Boulerice will take on the role of finance critic. The NDP will unveil a few more changes to their shadow cabinet first thing Monday morning, according to another party source.

The decision follows similar moves from colleagues Peter Julian, who resigned as House leader in October, and Charlie Angus, who resigned as caucus chair in November, both to consider running for leadership.

Julian, who remains the only person officially registered with Elections Canada — and therefore able to receive campaign donations — is expected to make a final announcement on his candidacy at 5 p.m. Eastern Sunday.

The party has scheduled a leadership debate for March 12 in Ottawa.

Email: mdsmith@postmedia.com | Twitter: mariedanielles