Michael Clark, a well-known Christian community organizer and businessman, says the Liberals have veered too far left under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Clark hopes to reverse that by entering the race to replace Trudeau as leader of the Liberal Party.
Clark has secured the $350,000 buy-in fee and will submit his formal application in the coming days.
A vocal pro-life advocate, Clark aims to repeal Trudeau’s 2014 ban on pro-life candidates, which he believes has alienated many Canadians from a party once known for its openness and diversity of views.
Clark points to former Liberal MPs such as Dan McTeague, Paul Szabo, and Tom Wappel as examples of a more centrist approach that has been abandoned.
According to Clark, restoring the Liberals to centrist roots means welcoming a variety of perspectives on moral issues like abortion and euthanasia.
However, Clark faces a tight deadline.
By January 23, he must collect 300 nomination signatures, including at least 100 from each of three provinces or territories.
Supporters can help by joining the Liberal Party for free, as long as they are not members of another federal party.
Once registered, they can sign his nomination forms.
Clark says this leadership race is an important opportunity to reshape the party. He hopes that, with enough support, the Liberals can again be a home for pro-life Canadians and those seeking centrist policies.
