OTTAWA — Liberal leadership contender Mark Carney has won the support of Thunder Bay–Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski.
Powlowski said he's backing the former Bank of Canada governor for the next leader of the Federal Liberal Party because of his long and impressive resume in the finance sector, but also because he believes Carney can be down to earth and relatable.
"He did go to Harvard, but he went on a hockey scholarship," said Powlowski."The guy is a regular guy. Guy can talk like a regular guy."
Although he's supporting Carney, Polowski said the choice wasn't easy.
"It was a difficult decision. I didn't like the process. It's like asking which of your kids you think is best. I certainly like Chrystia Freeland and Chrystia Freeland has done a lot of things for Thunder Bay."
Powlowski said he respects Freeland, but he believes the party would benefit from a new leader who isn't closely tied to Justin Trudeau.
"People want a change. He's an outside person, not part of our government, not part of the cabinet, and I think people want that, said Powlowski. "In my time in parliament, and in politics, I've certainly heard from many, many, many people, that there's an overwhelming thirst in this country for a reasonable middle ground politically."
Thunder Bay–Superior North MP and Trudeau cabinet minster Patty Hajdu has also endorsed Carney.
The field is now closed to nominations, with Chandra Arya, Jaime Battiste, Frank Baylis, Ruby Dhalla and Karina Gould joining Carney and Freeland in the race.
Liberal party members will vote in a new leader on March 9.
