Brian Gallant jumps into Liberal leadership race

New Brunswick lawyer Brian Gallant is officially entering the Liberal leadership contest on Wednesday and drawing some high-profile party members to offer his candidacy an early boost.

Gallant, 29, started his multi-city launch on Wednesday morning in Caraquet in northeastern New Brunswick.

The lawyer will also be holding rallies or speechesin Miramichi, Fredericton, Saint John and Woodstock.

"Its time for a new approach to politics in New Brunswick," Gallant said in a statement. '

"We can make this province a more prosperous and progressive place. We can grow our economy and protect our social programs. And we can put our financial house in order. But we cant keep using the same methods that have failed in the past and are failing New Brunswickers today."

Gallant, who grew up in Shediac Bridge,practises corporate and commercial law in the Moncton area.

Gallant will be using these events as an opportunity to introduce some influential Liberals members to show that he has strength within the party.

Miramichi-Bay du Vin MLA Bill Fraser, a two-term Liberal MLA,will be introducing Gallant at his Miramichi rally.

Beausejour Liberal MP Dominic LeBlanc and former health minister Mary Schryer will be Gallant's campaign co-chairs.

Gallant ran unsuccessfully in the 2006 election in Moncton East against former premier Bernard Lord.

Moncton lawyer Michael Murphy, a former health minister, has already entered the Liberal leadership race.

As well, Belledune Mayor Nick Duivenvoorden has also declared his intention to run for the party's top job.

Fredericton lawyer Kelly Lamrock, a former Liberal education minister, is also touring the province. The possible Liberal leadership candidate is talking about ideas on how to create jobs in the province.

The Liberals will pick their next leader in October.