SAINT JOHN – NDP Leader Dominic Cardy says he is still weighing his options before he decides to run in the Saint John byelection.
The Saint John-East seat was vacated by Liberal Gary Keating, who decided after the New Brunswick election that the job would cause too much stress on his health and family.
On Saturday, Liberal Premier Brian Gallant called a byelection for November 17.
"We thought it was important for the people of Saint John East to be represented before we go into the legislature," Gallant says.
"Although we don't have a date yet, we know it will be before Christmas, so we thought it was important to have the by-election as soon as possible."
Following the provincial election in October, Cardy had announced he would resign as party leader.
Cardy took to his Facebook page to make a statement late Saturday.
“Thank you to the many people who have been encouraging me to seek the NDP nomination for the upcoming byelection in Saint John-East and to remain leader of the NDP,” said Cardy’s Facebook statement.
“I know a lot of supporters were surprised and upset that I announced my intention to submit my resignation and they’ve told me so over the last couple of weeks.”
Despite NDP members rallying behind him, Cardy says he has priorities that must be considered.
“Before I make any decisions I need to keep listening, to my party, to my wife, and to people in Saint John-East. I’ll make this decision the same way I try to make every decision: I’ll listen, I’ll think, and then I’ll get going.”
