De Jong expected to enter B.C. leadership race

B.C. Attorney General Mike de Jong is expected to join the race for the provincial Liberal leadership, after scheduling an "important announcement" on Wednesday morning at the Abbotsford airport.

The Abbotsford West MLA was first elected in 1994 and has served as minister of aboriginal relations, minister of public safety, solictor general, minister of forests, minister of citizen services anddeputy house leaderfor the Opposition during his 16 years as an MLA.

Two former Liberal cabinet ministers have already officially joined the race toreplace Premier Gordon Campbell, who resigned earlier this month over his mishandling of the introduction of the harmonized sales tax.

Moira Stilwell and George Abbott stepped down from their cabinet posts last week to enter the race, and Health Services Minister Kevin Falcon is expected to official announce his candidacy on Tuesday.

Former Liberal cabinet minister and radio host Christy Clark has also confirmed she is considering entering the race.

The party has scheduled a leadership vote for Feb. 26, but the final format has not yet been revealed.