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Member of Parliament Maxime Bernier launched his bid for leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada Sunday morning in his riding of Beauce, Quebec.

Bernier says he is seeking the position to reduce Canada’s debt and lower taxes for everyone.

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The former cabinet minister outlined his vision for Canada at an event held in the Centre Caztel in Ste-Marie.

At Sunday’s event, Bernier said he wanted to reduce the size of Canada’s government, as well as reign in public spending and debt. He categorized the current Liberal government’s spending as “irresponsible” for putting financial strain on future generations.

Bernier was first elected as a Conservative MP in 2006, with 67 per cent of the vote and has easily maintained his seat ever since. He quickly climbed the Conservative ranks into former Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s cabinet.

He resigned his position in 2008 after it became known that he left confidential documents at the home of his girlfriend Julie Couillard. Harper re-appointed Bernier to cabinet in 2011.

Bernier made his intention to run for party leader known in April, when he submitted the required documents to the party.

He now faces Ontario MP Kellie Leitch in the race for party leadership. Conservative MPs Jason Kenney, Michael Chong, Tony Clement and Lisa Raitt are also predicted to enter the race.

The party’s new leader will be chosen May 27, 2017.