Vickers said climate change is the greatest threat to humanity and immigration was the biggest challenge in New Brunswick. Callum Smith / Global News

Despite a lack of history as a politician himself, Vickers is known as a hero for his role in the 2014 shooting on Parliament Hill, as he helped take down the gunman.Following his role as Sergeant-at-Arms for the House of Commons, he went on to become Canada’s ambassador to Ireland.Vickers was acclaimed the leader of the provincial Liberals in April, as the only other candidate announced he was no longer in the mix.Following the rally, Vickers told reporters the biggest challenge for the province is immigration.“I mentioned one per cent, which would be 7,500 new immigrants each year, but realistically, we probably need many more than that,” Vickers said.

READ MORE: Hero of 2014 Parliament Hill attack says he’s considering a run for New Brunswick Liberal leadership

2:05 Kevin Vickers retiring as Canada’s ambassador to Ireland

Kevin Vickers retiring as Canada’s ambassador to Ireland

He talked about the importance of fiscal responsibility when it comes to provincial spending.“Every dollar spent by our government must be considered as if it belonged to a New Brunswick family because it does,” he said at the podium.Lisa Harris, the Liberal MLA for Miramichi Bay-Neguac, says the party knows an election could be called at any point, but says they’re ready for it.“[Vickers] is going to be the next premier of the Province of New Brunswick,” Harris said.Moncton South MLA Cathy Rogers, meanwhile, says she’s confident in the party’s leader, despite his lack of political experience.“What New Brunswickers want is authenticity — New Brunswickers want real,” Rogers said in an interview with Global News.“New Brunswickers want someone who is going to unite us, help restore hope, and connect with the people.”