FREDERICTON -- The race for the leadership of the Progressive Conservative party in New Brunswick has its first candidate.
Brian Macdonald, the member for the riding of Fredericton West-Hanwell, entered the race Thursday with a promise to fight for lower taxes and promote resource development.
"We have a great province, rich in resources -- human resources and natural resources," he told a crowd gathered at the Fredericton Playhouse.
"We should be a 'have' province, yet increasing taxation and corporate handouts are hurting our economy."
Macdonald, a former army officer and a military advisor for the Department of National Defence, was first elected to the New Brunswick legislature in 2010.
His former boss, former federal cabinet minister Peter MacKay was on hand to show his support.
"Brian has the strong leadership skills necessary to lead the Progressive Conservative party and win the next election," MacKay said.
Bruce Fitch has been serving as interim leader since David Alward stepped aside after the party lost to the Liberals in the 2014 provincial election.
Former health minister Hugh Flemming is one of several people said to be considering a run at the leadership, but he said Thursday that he is still considering his options and hasn't made a decision.
Edmundston-Madawaska Centre member Madeleine Dube has ruled out entering the leadership race.
Party officials will meet on Jan. 30 to set a date for a leadership convention.
