Dominic LeBlanc says he’s not after Trudeau’s job

Article content

OTTAWA • Dominic LeBlanc says he’s not quietly planning behind the scenes to succeed Justin Trudeau as the leader of the federal Liberals, adding his loyalty to the prime minister “should never be in doubt.”

In a short interview with Brunswick News on Thursday, LeBlanc added that any leadership aspirations he has are “moot” as Trudeau plans to lead the party into the next federal election – and the New Brunswick MP is going to help his childhood friend win.

The comments come in reaction to a Globe and Mail column on Wednesday that stated an unnamed former Liberal cabinet minister recently met with LeBlanc where plans to see him succeed Trudeau were discussed, should Trudeau step down.

It added that LeBlanc was “eager” and “prepared to put in the arduous work involved in a leadership campaign.”

The unnamed cabinet minister agreed to be part of a group to lay the groundwork for a run, it added.

Asked by Brunswick News on Thursday if there was any truth to the report, LeBlanc flatly answered “No.”

“I was surprised to see that,” he said. “My loyalty to the prime minister should never be in doubt, I’m very happy that he’s announced that he’s running again.

“I’m focused on the Public Safety and intergovernmental Affairs work, I’ve been extremely busy with this job, and I’m a candidate running with him in the next election.”

He added: “Frankly, I’m also very focused on him being reelected and the team being reelected.

“That is the only focus I have at the moment.”

Asked if he has any leadership ambitions if Trudeau steps aside, LeBlanc said “the question is absolutely moot.

“Because he’s running again,” LeBlanc said. “And I’m happy about that.

“I’m focused on the work I have now and that’s all I’m focused on.”

LeBlanc was also asked by reporters outside the House of Commons later in the day if he plans to run for Liberal leader.

“No, I plan to be a candidate in the next election under Prime Minister Trudeau’s leadership,” he said. “I’m very happy. I’m excited about that. I’m focused on the responsibilities he gave me. It’s a big job. I’m enjoying it and I’m optimistic that our team and the prime minister will make the case to Canadians as to why we should be re-elected.”

The idea that LeBlanc could be handed the reins of the federal Liberal party if Trudeau’s stock continues to plummet isn’t new, with the ideas circulating in Ottawa circles since last fall, with onlookers suggesting it’s a real possibility.

Last September, Brunswick News reported LeBlanc’s name was among the forefront of a list of potential contenders, which includes Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, former central banker Mark Carney, Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne, and fellow Maritimer and Housing Minister Sean Fraser, among others.

“It’s talk that you’re hearing more and more,” said Jordan O’Brien, head of the Fredericton-based consulting firm Porter O’Brien and premier Brian Gallant’s former chief of staff. “He’s loved by caucus, which is maybe part of the incumbent’s problem.

“He’s also loved by Parliamentarians. In spite of the fact that he’s very partisan, he doesn’t seem to be very divisive.

“And he’s got this reputation now as Mr. Fix It, and I think if Liberals are looking at what kind of person they need as their next leader it’s probably a Mr. Fix It type.

“There’s a compelling case there.”

Donald Savoie, one of New Brunswick’s foremost public policy experts, says LeBlanc has what the Liberals appear to be sorely missing.

“Dominic is the best communicator we have in Canada, he outshines everybody and I mean everybody in the ability to connect in both official languages,” Savoie said.